Zelensky criticizes NATO summit participants for discussing Ukraine's invitation without clear timeline

MOSCOW. July 11 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has criticized the participants in the NATO summit in Vilnius over the fact that they are discussing Ukraine's invitation without a clear timeline rather than its membership of NATO.

"But Ukraine also deserves respect. Now, on the way to Vilnius, we received signals that certain wording is being discussed without Ukraine. And I would like to emphasize that this wording is about the invitation to become NATO member, not about Ukraine's membership," Ukrainian media quoted Zelensky as saying on his social media account.

"It's unprecedented and absurd when time frame is not set neither for the invitation nor for Ukraine's membership. While at the same time vague wording about 'conditions' is added even for inviting Ukraine," he said.

"It seems there is no readiness neither to invite Ukraine to NATO nor to make it a member of the alliance. This means that a window of opportunity is being left to bargain Ukraine's membership in NATO in negotiations with Russia," he said.