"The question is about timing": Rutte says Ukraine will be the 33rd or 34th NATO member

Ukraine will join the Alliance as its 33rd or 34th member "someday" in the future. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on October 17, as reported by European Pravda.

"At the moment, it looks like Ukraine will be the 33rd member. But someone else may emerge before them. However, Ukraine will be a NATO member in the future. This was decided in Washington. So, the question now is about the timing", - Rutte noted.

He stated that the allies are currently focused on efforts that pave the way for Ukraine's membership.

"So, if there is a specific question of 'When?' I cannot answer that right now, at this moment. But we are working on all these fronts to ensure that they do indeed become a NATO member someday", - added the NATO Secretary General.