Part 7/9:
A crucial point raised during the meeting was the realistic prospects of Ukraine obtaining NATO membership. The Secretary made it clear that while NATO's support remains critical, the alliance does not view it as a feasible outcome for a negotiated resolution. Instead, any peacekeeping forces should be part of a non-NATO mission, ensuring that no U.S. troops are deployed in Ukraine—reaffirming a balanced, non-dependence driven approach towards European security.