Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is urging NATO leaders to invite Ukraine to join the Western military alliance during a meeting in Brussels next week. This push reflects Ukraine's strong desire for NATO membership, especially in light of recent escalations in Russia's attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Biden administration has granted Ukraine new permissions to defend itself against Russia, further fueling Ukraine's bid for NATO membership.
In a letter to alliance leaders, Sybiha acknowledged that Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia currently prevents its immediate NATO membership. However, he argued that extending an invitation for membership would send a powerful message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who vehemently opposes Ukraine joining NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also publicly called for NATO to offer membership to the parts of Ukraine under its control, as a means to expedite the membership process and counter Russian aggression.
Despite NATO's assurance that Ukraine is on an 'irreversible path' to membership, significant hurdles remain. Ukraine lacks territorial integrity and is embroiled in an ongoing conflict with Russia, which are key requirements for NATO membership.
Russia strongly opposes Ukraine joining NATO, viewing it as a threat to its strategic security. NATO members are divided on the issue, with concerns over the implications of admitting Ukraine into the alliance, particularly triggering Article 5 obligations and potentially leading to conflict with Russia.
The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently discussed battlefield updates and security assistance with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, emphasizing sustainable support for Ukraine through diplomatic engagements with NATO.
As Ukraine intensifies its push for NATO membership, the timeline for approval has become more urgent, given the approaching third year of the conflict with Russia and the uncertainties surrounding a potential second Trump presidency.
President Joe Biden has taken steps to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, authorizing new permissions in the final weeks of his presidency. Ukraine sees NATO membership as a crucial step in its 'victory plan' to end the war with Russia, with hopes of achieving this goal by 2025 through increased military capabilities and operations on Russian soil.
