For Ukraine to join NATO, it must first overcome Russia.

According to White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, Ukraine must achieve victory in its conflict with Russia before it can become a NATO member. Kirby emphasized President Joe Biden's belief in Ukraine's future within NATO but noted that several prerequisites must be fulfilled beforehand. When asked about the specific conditions and pathway for Ukraine's accession, Kirby asserted that Washington's position is unequivocal.

"First and foremost, they need to achieve success in this conflict," Kirby stated. "We are fully committed to supporting their efforts toward that goal. Following the conclusion of hostilities, regardless of the outcome, Ukraine will still face significant security challenges, given its extensive border with Russia."

Kirby further explained that Washington intends to assist in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, despite ongoing concerns about corruption within the country's military industrial complex.

Meanwhile, Moscow has expressed serious apprehensions about NATO's eastward expansion toward Russian borders, viewing it as an existential threat. President Vladimir Putin cited Ukraine's aspirations to join the US-led military alliance as a major factor driving the ongoing conflict.

Putin recently outlined Moscow's conditions for a ceasefire and the commencement of peace negotiations, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from certain regions and the abandonment of Ukraine's NATO aspirations.

The Kremlin has strongly cautioned against a frozen conflict scenario, warning that further NATO involvement could escalate into a direct confrontation between Russia and the US-led military bloc, potentially leading to nuclear conflict.