In response to Russia’s annexation of four occupied Ukrainian territories, the Kiev leadership has now applied for accelerated accession to NATO. “In fact, we have already found our way to NATO,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday. Legally, that should be the case.
According to the 44-year-old, Ukraine is ready to join because cooperation with the military alliance is working and the country has demonstrated its ability to integrate Western weapons technology during the fighting against Russia. “We trust each other, we help each other, we defend each other. We are de facto alliance partners,” Zelenskyy said in a video speech about Ukraine’s importance for the “defense of Western society”.
Meanwhile, Selenskyj has ruled out negotiations with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. Ukraine is ready for dialogue with Russia, but only under another Russian president, he said. EU heads of state and government, including Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), rejected Russia’s annexation of four occupied Ukrainian territories as illegal. “We will never recognize this illegal annexation,” said a statement released Friday. “These decisions are null and void and cannot have legal effect.”
Condition not met due to war in Ukraine
In general, a condition for joining NATO is that the candidate must not be involved in international conflicts and disputes over borders. Ukraine was invaded by Russia on February 24 and has been defending itself against the war of aggression ever since. In addition, in 2014 Russia annexed the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula in Crimea.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
