Staff Reports
NATO Reaffirms Its Support for Ukraine’s Future Membership
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg, reiterated his strong stance on Ukraine’s future NATO membership, boldly stating that all alliance members have agreed that Ukraine will join the organization. Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of prioritizing reforms in Ukraine to ensure that the country meets the requirements for NATO membership. He highlighted recent support for Ukraine, including the establishment of an air defense coalition, substantial funding, and the opening of an F-16 training center in Romania for Ukrainian pilots.
‘All Allies Agree’ Ukraine Will Join NATO, Says Alliance Boss https://t.co/agGwiCNb3a
— Wendy Kortepeter (@WKortepeter) November 27, 2023
Stoltenberg clarified that while the alliance is committed to Ukraine’s eventual membership, it cannot happen while the nation is embroiled in a war. He stressed the need for Ukraine to implement crucial reforms, including achieving full interoperability with NATO forces based on alliance doctrines and training procedures. Stoltenberg’s remarks underscored NATO’s intent to bring Ukraine closer to the organization while addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
Despite Stoltenberg’s affirmation of Ukraine’s NATO membership, some alliance members have expressed reservations. Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban previously questioned the feasibility of Ukraine joining NATO, citing Hungary’s proximity to the conflict as a cause for concern. Additionally, Germany has urged caution, emphasizing that Ukraine must first meet a series of conditions before it can become a NATO member.
Notwithstanding the reservations expressed by some NATO members, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that Ukraine already considers itself a de facto member of NATO. The enthusiasm for closer ties with Europe is not limited to NATO, as senior European leaders have also emphasized Ukraine’s inevitable integration with the European Union, albeit contingent upon addressing internal challenges such as corruption, oligarchy, lobbying, and minority rights.
While NATO has reaffirmed its long-term support for Ukraine’s NATO membership, the path to integration remains contingent on Ukraine’s ability to implement crucial reforms and address internal challenges. The alliance’s commitment to Ukraine’s future membership underscores the evolving dynamics of European security and Ukraine’s strategic position in the region.
