During the Munich Security Conference on Friday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine will not be granted membership in the alliance following the resolution of its ongoing conflict.

He emphasized that negotiations should prioritize a sustainable peace, with an improved status for Ukraine prior to any potential discussions involving NATO membership or security guarantees.

Stoltenberg remarked, "We are currently focusing on the Ukrainian issue.

We need to ensure that Kyiv is in a better position before negotiations begin.

This (the question of NATO membership and security guarantees) will be part of the peace agreement...

We are discussing the best ways to guarantee sustainable and lasting peace...

However, Ukraine will not be given any assurances that it will be part of the deal."

Earlier in the week, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his alignment with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's view that Ukraine's membership in NATO is unlikely.

Trump criticized current President Joe Biden's prior assertion that Ukraine could join the alliance, suggesting that such statements have contributed to escalating tensions surrounding the conflict.

The statements come amid ongoing discussions about the future of Ukraine and its relationship with NATO following the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. NATO has provided various forms of support to Ukraine throughout the conflict, yet the prospect of membership remains contentious and largely dependent on the outcome of the current hostilities.