Ukraine and its most determined supporters are pushing NATO towards officially inviting the country to become a member of the Alliance at the upcoming summit, but their efforts are facing significant behind-the-scenes resistance from the United States and Germany. This was reported on January 30 by the American publication Foreign Policy, citing dozens of current and former officials familiar with the matter.
The issue of Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO has been a topic of discussion for years, with the country expressing its desire to join the Alliance as a way to strengthen its security and stability. However, the decision ultimately lies with NATO member states, and it seems that the US and Germany are not fully on board with Ukraine’s bid for membership.
According to Foreign Policy, the US and Germany are concerned about the potential consequences of inviting Ukraine to join NATO. They fear that it could further escalate tensions with Russia and potentially lead to a military confrontation. This concern is not unfounded, as Russia has repeatedly expressed its strong opposition to Ukraine’s membership in NATO and has even taken military action in response to perceived threats to its security.
In addition, the US and Germany are also reportedly worried about the readiness of Ukraine’s military to meet the standards and requirements of NATO membership. Despite significant progress in recent years, Ukraine’s armed forces still face challenges such as corruption, outdated equipment, and lack of training. This raises concerns about the country’s ability to contribute to the collective defense of the Alliance.
However, Ukraine and its supporters argue that these concerns are unfounded and that the country has made significant strides in its military reform and modernization efforts. They also point to the country’s strategic location and its role as a buffer between NATO and Russia as reasons why Ukraine’s membership would be beneficial for the Alliance.
Moreover, Ukraine’s supporters argue that the country has already been contributing to NATO’s operations and missions, such as the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. They also highlight the country’s commitment to democratic values and its desire to align itself with Western institutions.
Despite the resistance from the US and Germany, Ukraine’s supporters are not giving up on their efforts to push for an official invitation to join NATO. They see the upcoming summit as a crucial opportunity to make progress on this issue and are working to garner support from other NATO member states.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has been actively advocating for his country’s membership in NATO, stating that it is a matter of national security and sovereignty. He has also emphasized that Ukraine is ready and willing to meet all the requirements and obligations of NATO membership.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s bid for membership in NATO is facing significant obstacles from the US and Germany. However, the country and its supporters remain determined to push for an official invitation at the upcoming summit. They believe that Ukraine’s membership would not only benefit the country but also contribute to the security and stability of the entire region. As the world watches the developments leading up to the summit, it remains to be seen whether Ukraine will finally receive the long-awaited invitation to join the Alliance.
