In a unanimous decision, the Lithuanian parliament has passed a resolution expressing strong support for Ukraine's NATO membership. The resolution also calls upon NATO

member states to extend an invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance during the next NATO summit scheduled to take place in Washington, DC.

The resolution received overwhelming support, with 122 votes in favor, none against, and no abstentions. It emphasizes that Ukraine plays a significant role in providing security and asserts that its NATO membership would not only bolster the alliance but also prove to be more effective and cost-efficient than the current support provided to Ukraine for self-defense.

The document underlines the importance of offering Ukraine full-fledged support through practical means, including NATO's political backing, and highlights the appropriateness of inviting Ukraine to become a NATO member.

Žygimantas Pavilionis, Chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, cautioned against the risk of a "bad peace" if Ukraine's NATO membership were not approved, emphasizing that such a scenario would also impact Lithuania's security.

The resolution further states that extending NATO membership to Ukraine would serve as a clear message that Russia does not possess veto power over NATO enlargement and cannot establish gray security zones within Europe.

During the July summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders pledged to invite Ukraine to join the alliance once all member states reach a consensus, and Ukraine fulfills the necessary criteria, including military readiness and domestic policy reforms.

Kyiv officially submitted its application for NATO membership on September 30, 2022.