Ukraine is intensifying its push for NATO membership, viewing it as the sole "real guarantee" of security against Russian aggression.
This strategic move comes at a critical juncture, as NATO foreign ministers convene in Brussels to discuss the alliance's priorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that Kyiv's willingness to engage in peace talks hinges on securing Western security guarantees and essential weaponry. "We are convinced that the only real guarantee of security for Ukraine, as well as a deterrent to further Russian aggression against Ukraine and other states, is Ukraine’s full membership in NATO," stated the Ukrainian foreign ministry.
Despite these urgent appeals, NATO appears unlikely to extend a membership invitation to Ukraine in the near future.
Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that the alliance's current focus is on supplying arms to Ukraine rather than expanding its membership. "Make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to get to a position of strength when those peace talks start," Rutte remarked, underscoring the immediate priority of military support over diplomatic expansion.
The urgency of Ukraine's diplomatic efforts is compounded by concerns over potential shifts in U.S. policy under Trump, who has promised to broker a swift end to the war but has yet to provide specifics. His campaign rhetoric has raised alarms in Kyiv and among NATO allies about the possibility of reduced U.S. military aid and pressure on Ukraine to accept unfavorable peace terms.
Moscow remains staunchly opposed to Ukraine joining NATO, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeling the prospect as "unacceptable." Meanwhile, Trump's envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has suggested that shelving NATO membership could be part of a peace deal, alongside alternative security assurances.
As the situation unfolds, the Biden administration has announced an additional $725 million military aid package for Ukraine, including advanced air defense systems.
However, Kyiv continues to press for more sophisticated defenses, such as the American THAAD and Israeli-American Arrow systems, though U.S. officials remain hesitant to commit to these high-tech solutions.
With NATO's foreign ministers expected to conclude their meeting without offering Ukraine a membership invitation, Kyiv's security aspirations remain in limbo.
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