For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his country’s accession to NATO during the war is unrealistic. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently indirectly ruled that out. Some countries see the risk that new military alliance commitments could lead to even more aggressive Russian warfare.
If Ukraine does not assert itself as a sovereign independent nation in Europe, there is no point in talking about membership, Stoltenberg said. The US administration under President Joe Biden also said it currently considers further arms deliveries and other aid to Ukraine more important than plans for NATO membership. “We are aiming to provide Ukrainians with more practical support as soon as possible. It is not a question of whether Ukraine will join the alliance, but when,” a senior US official said.
NATO countries do not want to become directly involved in the war
The German government made similar statements. “At the moment there is no decision on Ukraine’s accession,” the statement said. The Lithuanian and Dutch governments, among others, would support a concrete accession perspective. However, it is unlikely that other NATO countries, such as the US, can be persuaded to change course. People in NATO circles suspect that there will be no movement until the Ukrainian army succeeds in the war against Russian troops. Then the states no longer have to fear becoming a direct war party by admitting Ukraine.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself was not optimistic that his country would soon be part of NATO. “But during the war, we want a very clear message that we will be in NATO after the war,” the 45-year-old said Thursday. The war in Ukraine has been going on for more than a year and was started by Russia, among others, under the pretext of preventing their neighbor from joining NATO for their own safety.
The military alliance is currently exploring what can be done in the longer term to strengthen Ukrainian defense and deterrence capabilities. Stoltenberg has already announced another support package.
Source: Krone
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