Zelensky disconcerted: he feared the allies' decision
According to Politico, seven NATO member states are opposed to the alliance immediately inviting Ukraine to join, fearing it could be caught in a war with Russia.
Citing four US and NATO officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, Politico said the US and Germany are among the "major powers slowing down" Kiev's calls to invite Ukraine to join the alliance, with Belgium, Slovenia and Spain "hiding behind" the US and German opposition.
According to Politico, Hungary and Slovakia, both known for their pro-Kremlin sympathies and reluctance to support Kiev, are the other countries opposing Ukraine's invitation.
According to one of the officials, a number of NATO countries support inviting Ukraine to the alliance "in the abstract," but become hesitant when the prospect begins to materialize.
Despite this, still according to information gathered by Politico, neither the United States nor Germany ruled out "the possible accession" of Ukraine to the alliance.
(MH with FM/Source: Politico/Photo: DPA/NurPhoto/Nicolas Economou)