Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Julianne Smith, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, confirmed in an interview with POLITICO that an immediate invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is highly unlikely. However, she stressed that NATO allies are determined to demonstrate their long-term commitment to Kyiv.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged NATO leaders to establish a clear pathway for Ukraine's NATO accession. He has even threatened to skip the alliance's annual summit in Vilnius next month if such assurance is not provided. However, Smith explained that while a formal invitation to join NATO is improbable during a full-scale war, the alliance remains committed to Ukraine for the long haul.

"NATO wants to communicate to President Zelenskyy — if he attends in person — that we are deeply invested in a lasting relationship with Ukraine. We want to recognize their achievements and assure them that our support will not diminish or be diverted elsewhere," she said.

Ukraine's interaction with NATO spans over a decade. In 2008, NATO made a vague commitment that Ukraine would eventually become a member. However, this promise has largely been overlooked due to concerns about further agitating Russia.

Despite acknowledging that Ukraine won't attain NATO membership during the war, Zelenskyy insists on a definitive pledge at Vilnius that Ukraine will be welcomed post-war. He is also advocating for binding commitments from NATO allies to safeguard Ukraine during the membership transition.

NATO is currently developing a two-pronged package for Ukraine, focusing on practical support and addressing the more complicated political implications of Ukraine's NATO bid.

"The alliance's task is to define exactly what we want to include in this package for Ukraine," Smith explained.

The issue has created a rift within NATO. Several Western capitals believe discussions about future security arrangements should be postponed until the war is over. On the other hand, a few countries on NATO’s eastern front advocate for a substantial gesture of support for Ukraine now.

A meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Oslo last week brought allies closer to an agreement regarding Ukraine's NATO bid.

Smith credited the Oslo meeting's unconventional approach, allowing ministers to discuss freely on a single subject. This helped the alliance move closer to a consensus.

"I am more confident now about the direction the alliance is taking with this package," Smith said.

These discussions are happening amidst Ukraine's launch of a much-awaited counteroffensive.

"We want Ukrainians to continue actions that will shift Putin’s strategic calculus, making him realize that he will not achieve his strategic objectives," Smith said, but she also acknowledged that this particular counteroffensive may not determine the war's end.