Biden rules out privileges to Ukraine in NATO membership

By Tugcenur Akgun

NEW YORK (AA) - US President Joe Biden said Saturday that Ukraine should meet the same standards as other countries regarding its membership in NATO, and that no special convenience will be provided to the country in this context.

Biden answered journalists' questions before boarding his plane to Pennsylvania.

When asked whether the US would facilitate Ukraine's membership in NATO, Biden replied: "No. Because they gotta meet the same standards. So I'm not gonna make it easier."

Biden also said that Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to coordinate militarily, while questioning its military's integrity.

"I think they've done everything related to demonstrating the ability to coordinate militarily, but there's a whole issue of, is their system secure? Is it non-corrupt?" he asked.

"Does it meet all the standards everyone, every other nation in NATO, does? I think it will. I think it can. But it’s not automatic."

As for Russia's deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Biden reiterated his view that it was "totally irresponsible."

When asked about US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's upcoming China visit to reduce tensions between the two countries, Biden replied: "China has some legitimate issues that have nothing to do with the United States," insinuating that the diplomatic visit may contribute to a possible thaw in tensions.

"I don't think the Chinese leadership knows where the (balloon) is, what's inside it, and what's going on," he further said, referring to the balloon downed by US in early February. The US claimed the balloon was being used by China for espionage.

"Which, in my opinion, was more embarrassing than it was deliberate. In the next few months, I'd like to meet with [Chinese President] Xi again and discuss areas we can agree on as well as our differences," he added.

*Writing by Emre Basaran