The first step is now: Duda made a loud initiative regarding Ukraine's NATO membership.

Polish President Andrzej Duda urged NATO countries to immediately invite Ukraine to join the Alliance, regardless of the ongoing conflict. He stated this during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Duda noted that Ukraine's full membership in NATO is only possible after the conflict ends, but it is important to provide a formal invitation now.

'Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, I prefer that NATO countries invite Ukraine to join the Alliance. This will be the first step in providing real security guarantees from the North Atlantic Alliance,'

The Polish president also noted that more NATO leaders support the idea of inviting Ukraine to the Alliance.

On the same day, President Zelensky met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, where they discussed EU and NATO membership, arms supplies, and the possibility of placing foreign troops in Ukraine as potential security guarantees.

It is worth mentioning that President Zelensky and Prime Minister Tusk held a joint press conference where they discussed Ukraine's independence, European security, and military assistance. Poland also announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth more than 200 million euros and the holding of a conference to support the country's recovery in 2026.

The parties discussed the possibility of placing a military contingent of partner countries in Ukraine as part of future security guarantees, as well as issues of supply and production of weapons. Negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union are planned to start during the Polish presidency in the EU.