Ukraine rejects US defense of ambiguous NATO statement: 'Spoonful of tar'

NATO leaders intend to invite Ukraine into the trans-Atlantic alliance after Kyiv regains control of Ukraine’s sovereign territory, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid an unfolding dispute about the alliance's ambiguous commitment to Ukraine's eventual membership.

“My understanding is that [conditions will be met] when it will be secure on our land, on our territory,” he told reporters Wednesday.

Zelensky gestured towards that prospect one day after the alliance leaders unveiled a communique that offered a vague assurance that Ukraine would be invited “when Allies agree and conditions are met.” NATO officials hailed the document as “stronger than any” previous declaration, but Ukrainian leaders were not satisfied.