US President says war must end for country to be considered; Conflict completed 500 days on Friday
United States President Joe Biden said in an interview published by CNN on Sunday (July 9, 2023) that Ukraine is not yet ready to join NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). He also stated that the war must end before the organization could consider absorbing the country led by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I think we need to find a rational path for Ukraine to qualify to join NATO,” Biden said. “But I think it’s premature to call for a vote now because there are other conditions that need to be met, including democratization and some of these issues.”
He claimed to have discussed the issue with Zelenskyy. He stated that the US and its Organization allies would continue to provide security and ammunition to Ukraine. However, he did not comment on the use of cluster bombs, which was criticized by the United Kingdom, Canada and Spain.
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Biden traveled to Europe this Sunday. He is due to meet with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday (10 July). He then travels to Lithuania, where he will attend the NATO summit.
500 DAYS WAR
On Friday (July 7) it will be 500 days since Russia launched an offensive on Ukrainian territory.
According to the UN (United Nations), the war has already resulted in the deaths of around 9,000 civilians since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022.