Current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the issue of Ukraine joining NATO is not currently on the alliance's agenda. He said this during pre-election debates with his main rival in the chancellor elections, the leader of the CDU party Friedrich Merz. The German chancellor elections will take place on February 23. 

"The American government is postponing this. NATO's decisions are such that this issue is not blocked, but it is not considered either. Therefore, in the current situation, there is no talk of Ukraine's membership in NATO," Scholz said. 

Scholz also noted that he does not support discussing the future of Ukraine without its participation. He spoke out against opinions that suggest that Ukraine should cede part of its territory in order to achieve peace. At the same time, the Chancellor emphasized the importance of continuing assistance to Kyiv, since the Ukrainian army is currently unable to finance its own maintenance and needs the support of its partners. 

Friedrich Merz, who is also running for chancellor, agreed with Scholz that Ukraine's admission to NATO is impossible in the current conflict. He explained that the country's entry into the alliance at a time of active military action would automatically involve NATO in a direct armed conflict with Russia, which is unacceptable. 

Today, Ukraine has the status of a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner. However, the status does not automatically provide collective security guarantees that apply to full NATO members.