Ukraine's path to NATO bolstered by security guarantees
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (GettyImages)
NATO member states are engaging in discussions about providing Ukraine with security guarantees, including the provision of necessary weaponry, prior to its full membership in the Alliance. This proposal was put forth by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, as reported by The Guardian.
Approaching the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius scheduled for July, member states are deliberating on the nature of security assurances that can be extended to Ukraine before it officially joins the Alliance.
While President von der Leyen refrained from providing specific details, she mentioned the potential application of historical examples to determine Ukraine's future security status. One such example could be Finland's stance of neutrality following World War II, which lasted until it eventually joined the European Union.
Von der Leyen highlighted the ability of NATO members to offer various guarantees that collectively act as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression, including the provision of military equipment to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against future attacks. She emphasized the importance of steadfast, long-term support from Ukraine's allies.
Ukraine's Aspirations for NATO Membership
Ukraine aims to obtain a political decision in support of its accession to NATO at the upcoming summit in Vilnius. However, the country acknowledges that full membership can only be granted once hostilities cease.
Dmytro Kuleba, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, expressed unequivocally that Ukraine neither sees nor desires an alternative to NATO membership. Therefore, the country expects a definitive timeline for joining the Alliance to be outlined at the Vilnius summit, which would provide a clear roadmap for the accession process.
Moreover, Ukraine seeks security guarantees from NATO member states that would not serve as a substitute for full membership.
According to foreign media, Western countries are considering offering Ukraine a security guarantee model akin to that of Israel, with the United States potentially assuming a leading role as the primary guarantor. Western officials believe such an agreement could have a transformative impact on the ongoing war and facilitate Ukraine's progress toward NATO membership.
For more detailed information on Ukraine's objectives at the NATO summit and expectations from the Alliance, please refer to RBC-Ukraine's article.
