Ukraine in NATO before war ends: UK Ambassador offers insight
British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris (all photos: Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
The United Kingdom is convinced that Ukraine should be a NATO member, although it is still unknown when and how it will join the alliance, British Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
“I believe this has always been the position of the United Kingdom regarding Ukraine's membership in NATO. We think that not only will Ukraine be in NATO, but NATO will also be stronger with Ukraine,” he said.
Harris expressed hope that there will soon be victory in Ukraine. “After that victory, I believe the threat from the aggressor to the security of Europe will remain. Our perspective is one of a future alliance with Ukraine and that Ukraine will be a powerful ally for the United Kingdom within NATO to ensure the security of Europe,” he added.
When asked if it was possible for Ukraine to be invited to NATO before the end of the war, Harris replied: “Honestly, I don’t know when or how that might happen, but I am confident that the United Kingdom will stand by Ukraine and support it on its path to NATO. Ukraine is currently very close to NATO, especially through our operational cooperation.”
Regarding the idea of a so-called hybrid NATO membership for Ukraine, where Article 5 guarantees might not apply to certain territories, the ambassador responded, “I think that is a question for the future, and it’s not something we should speculate on.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that a country at war cannot become a NATO member, so an invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance is not currently on the agenda.
According to a Razumkov Center poll, if a referendum on Ukraine’s NATO membership were held soon, 82% of respondents would participate. Among them, 86% would vote in favor of joining NATO, while 10% would oppose it.
