Lajcak: Ukraine’s conflict is strong argument for NATO’s enlargement

"Rather than freezing NATO enlargement we think the trouble in Ukraine has only strengthened the case for it,” Lajcak said, referring to Russian involvement in Ukraine's conflict in the east.

According to the minister, it was obvious before the invitation was issued to Montenegro to join that NATO was itself divided about whether to continue the enlargement process.

“To speak about enlargement of NATO is not a universally accepted view in NATO currently ... It took an awful lot of time and effort to build consensus on the invitation for Montenegro," Lajcak said.

Although, such NATO members as France and Germany have doubts about further enlargement just now, particularly regarding taking in Georgia. They argue that NATO would be unable to defend the ex-Soviet state in the event of a conflict with Russia.

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