Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt about Ukraine from U.S. President Joseph R. Biden’s press conference in Brussels following the NATO Summit. The entire transcript is here. The video of the press conference is here. The question on Ukraine comes at the 23-minute mark.
THE PRESIDENT: And last question, Sebastian Smith of AFP.
Q: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Ukraine wants a clear “yes” or “no” on getting into the NATO Membership Action Plan. So, what’s your answer?
And, if I may, a second part to the same question: Well, now that Russia has invaded parts of Ukraine, does that effectively rule out Ukraine ever entering NATO, given that being in NATO would mean the U.S. and NATO having to defend Ukrainians against Russia?
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: The second question is — the answer is no.
The first question: It depends on whether they meet the criteria. The fact is they still have to clean up corruption. The fact is they have to meet other criteria to get into the Action Plan.
And so, it’s — you know, school is out on that question. It remains to be seen. In the meantime, we will do all that we can to pu- — put Ukraine in the position to be able to continue to resist Russian physical aggression. And it will not just depend on me whether or not we conclude that — that Ukraine can become part of NATO; it will depend on the Alliance and how they vote.
But I know, for one thing, there has to be a co- — they have to convince, and it’s not easy. I made a speech, years ago, to the Rada saying that — that Ukraine had an opportunity to do something that’s never occurred in the history of Ukraine: actually generate a democratically elected and not corrupt — led by oligarchies in any of the regions — nation. And I pointed out to them when I made that speech that they will go down in history as the founding fathers of Ukraine if, in fact, they do that.
They have more to do. But that does not justify — the fact they have more to do — Russia taking aggressive action, either in the Donbas or in — on the sea, or in any part of Ukraine. And we’re going to put Ukraine in a position to be able to maintain their physical security.
Thank you all so very much. Sorry you’re all here so late. Thank you very much.
