Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha speaks at a joint press conference with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky (not pictured), amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, November 22, 2024. REUTERS/Alina Smutko/File Photo
Ukraine Renews Push for NATO Membership Invitation
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on NATO allies to issue a formal invitation for Ukraine to join the military alliance during the NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting scheduled for December 3-4, 2024, in Brussels. In a letter seen by Reuters, Sybiha framed the invitation as a critical step in Ukraine’s “victory plan” to end the war initiated by Russia’s invasion in 2022.
The Case for Immediate NATO Membership
Sybiha’s letter emphasized that granting Ukraine an invitation would send a strong message in response to Russia’s ongoing escalation of the conflict. He highlighted Russia’s use of advanced weaponry in Ukraine and the reported involvement of North Korean troops as further justification for accelerating Ukraine’s NATO accession.
“I urge you to endorse the decision to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance as one of the outcomes of the NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting,” the letter stated.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna echoed these sentiments, noting that the letter serves to keep the possibility of NATO membership on the table despite current political hurdles.
Divisions Among NATO Allies
While NATO has affirmed that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to membership, no formal invitation or timeline has been established. Membership decisions require unanimous consent from NATO’s 32 member states, and diplomatic sources suggest there is no current consensus to move forward with an invitation.
Stefanishyna acknowledged this hesitation:
“We understand the consensus for an invitation is not yet there, but we aim to send a strong political signal.”
Strategic Concerns and U.S. Influence
Diplomats within NATO are reportedly waiting for clarity on U.S. policy regarding Ukraine under President-elect Donald Trump, whose administration will likely shape NATO’s direction on this matter. The U.S., as the dominant power in NATO, holds significant sway over alliance decisions.
Broader Implications
Ukraine views NATO membership as essential to securing long-term security guarantees and deterring further Russian aggression. However, some NATO countries remain cautious, fearing that an invitation could escalate tensions with Russia.
Sybiha’s appeal underscores Ukraine’s urgency in aligning with Western allies as the war drags on. However, the outcome of the upcoming NATO meeting remains uncertain, with no significant shifts in the stance of key alliance members reported thus far.
COMMENTS