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An offer of NATO membership to territory under Kyiv’s control would end “the hot stage of the war” in Ukraine, but any proposal to join the military alliance should be extended to all parts of the country that fall under internationally recognized borders, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a broadcast interview.
Zelenskyy’s remarks on Friday signaled a possible way forward to the difficult path Ukraine faces to future NATO membership. At their summit in Washington in July, the 32 members declared Ukraine on an “irreversible” path to membership. However, one obstacle to moving forward has been the view that Ukraine’s borders would need to be clearly demarcated before it could join so that there can be no mistaking where the alliance’s pact of mutual defense would come into effect.
“You can’t give an invitation to just one part of a country,” the Ukrainian president said in an excerpt of the interview with Sky News, dubbed by the UK broadcaster. “Why? Because thus you would recognize that Ukraine is only that territory of Ukraine and the other one is Russia.”
So legally, by law, we have no right to recognize the occupied territory as territory of Russia. Since the start of the war in 2022, Russia has been expending huge amounts of weaponry and human life to make small-but-steady territorial gains to the nearly one-fifth of Ukraine it already controls in east and southern Ukraine.
If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control. That’s what we need to do, fast. And then Ukraine can get back the other part of its territory diplomatically.
An invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is one key point of Zelenskyy’s “victory plan”, which he presented to Western allies and the Ukrainian people in October. The plan is seen as a way for Ukraine to strengthen its hand in any negotiations with Moscow.
Earlier this week, NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the alliance “needs to go further” to support Ukraine in its fight against a Russian invasion. Military aid to Kyiv and steps toward ending the war are expected to be high on the agenda when NATO members’ foreign ministers meet in Brussels for a two-day gathering starting on December 3.
However, any decision for Ukraine to join the military alliance would require a lengthier process and the agreement of all member states.
There is also uncertainty as to the foreign policy stance of President-elect Donald Trump. While Trump vowed on the campaign trail to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a single day, he has not publicly discussed how this could happen. Trump also announced Wednesday that Keith Kellogg, an 80-year-old, highly decorated retired three-star general, would serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
In April, Kellog wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.”
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Conclusion:
As the war in Ukraine continues to rage on, the path to NATO membership remains a complex and contentious issue. Zelenskyy’s remarks highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the interests of all parties involved. As the world watches, the future of Ukraine hangs in the balance, and the stakes could not be higher.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Ukraine’s position on NATO membership?
Ukraine has been vocal about its desire to join NATO, but any proposal to join the alliance must be extended to all parts of the country that fall under internationally recognized borders.
What is the current state of the war in Ukraine?
The war in Ukraine continues to rage on, with both sides suffering significant losses. The situation remains volatile, with no end in sight.
How does the international community view the situation in Ukraine?
The international community has been vocal in its support for Ukraine, with many countries imposing sanctions on Russia and providing military aid to Kyiv. However, the path forward remains uncertain, and the situation remains a source of concern for many.
What is the role of NATO in the conflict?
NATO has been a key player in the conflict, providing military aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. The alliance has also been vocal in its support for Ukraine, with many member states calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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