Ukraine turns heat on allies as NATO stalls on membership bid

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00:00 Ukraine's president slamming NATO over hesitation to invite his country into the military alliance.

00:06 Volodymyr Zelensky said on Twitter it is "absurd" to not set a time frame for Ukraine's membership

00:13 and that this uncertainty motivates Russia to continue its terror.

00:17 Ahead of the NATO summit's opening Tuesday, NATO's Secretary General did assure an offer

00:22 is in the works.

00:24 "On the membership issue, I also expect that allies will send a clear and positive message

00:33 on the path forward towards membership for Ukraine."

00:38 But current members are divided over how quickly Ukraine's membership happens.

00:43 Baltic states, including host nation Lithuania, are pushing for a clear pathway now.

00:48 The U.S. and Germany are urging caution over making promises too soon.

00:53 And before the war, many NATO members had concerns about corruption and political stability

00:58 in Ukraine.

00:59 "As President Biden noted, bringing Ukraine into the alliance now here in Vilnius would

01:04 bring NATO into war with Russia.

01:07 Also Ukraine has further steps to take along its reform path."

01:12 Ukraine believes Western military protection is the only way to deter Russia from attacking

01:17 again once the war is over.

01:19 While an immediate invitation is very unlikely, Ukraine is getting a fast track to membership

01:25 and billions more in military support from NATO members.

01:29 "Given the situation and the counter-offensive being conducted by Ukraine, I've decided to

01:35 increase deliveries of arms and equipment and to provide the Ukrainians with deep strike

01:41 capabilities."

01:44 Zelensky is also expected to attend the summit — another sign of NATO unity with Ukraine,

01:50 though apparently not enough for Ukraine's president.

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