In an interview with Interfax- Ukraine Jens Stoltenberg said that only the allies of the Alliance will decide whether Ukraine can be accepted with the occupied territories, as quoted by Focus.
Stoltenberg emphasized that Ukraine can join NATO only with the territories it controls. He added that this could become a tool to end the war. At the same time, Stoltenberg pointed out that Ukraine's accession to the 1991 borders could prolong the conflict.
„NATO allies have to decide exactly how membership should be implemented for Ukraine, and we are all aware of that. If we say that the only way Ukraine can become a member is by having full control over its entire territory, then we are giving President Putin an incentive to continue the war,” explained Stoltenberg.
He noted that accepting Ukraine with part of its territories “could be a way to ensure that when an agreement is reached between Russia and Ukraine, it will end the conflict”.
Stoltenberg also specified that Ukraine must decide for itself what is acceptable for it, but the issue will have to be agreed with all members of the Alliance. If new territorial order agreements are reached after the war, there will need to be assurances that the war is truly over. According to Stoltenberg, NATO membership can be a way to ensure lasting peace for Ukraine.