CNN —Ukraine’s path to joining NATO was described as “irreversible” in a draft text of the alliance’s joint communique, three sources familiar told CNN Monday. While many Europeans have emphasized the need for strong language around Ukraine’s eventual future in the alliance, US and German officials had proposed describing a “bridge” to NATO membership for Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chair of Ukraine’s parliament, said at an event Monday that it’s not just about language, but it’s about actually bringing Ukraine closer to NATO. “There is rightly considerable focus on what Allies will say about Ukraine’s membership path in the summit declaration. “I’ll let the Ukrainians speak for themselves, but I think they understand the value of what NATO will be doing for that,” they said.

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Persons: Ruslan Stefanchuk, it’s, ” Michael Carpenter, “, “ I’ll, ” Organizations: CNN, NATO, White House, Ukraine, Russia, Ukraine ”, National Security Council Locations: Ukraine, Washington, Kyiv, Moscow, European, Europe, Wiesbaden