In a stunning revelation that could shift the course of geopolitical alliances, at least seven NATO member countries—including major players like the United States and Germany—are resisting Ukraine’s urgent call for immediate membership in the military alliance. This reluctance comes despite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s emphatic insistence that joining NATO is crucial for lasting peace and a bulwark against escalating Russian aggression.
According to a report by Politico, the dissenting voices also include Hungary and Slovakia, both led by pro-Kremlin leaders, alongside Belgium, Slovenia, and Spain. These nations appear to be slow-walking Ukraine’s request, casting doubt on the urgency of the situation despite the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelenskyy recently unveiled his “victory plan” to the Ukrainian Parliament and EU leaders, emphasizing that an invitation to NATO is essential to safeguarding Ukraine’s future. This plan consists of five key points, including bolstering defense measures, deterring aggression with a non-nuclear strategy, and laying out a post-war vision that would see Ukrainian forces stepping in to fill the boots of American troops in Europe. Yet, key allies seem hesitant to embrace this bold initiative.
“The alliance has not, to date, reached the point where it is prepared to offer membership or an invitation to Ukraine,” stated Julianne Smith, the outgoing US Ambassador to NATO. This sentiment echoes the Biden administration’s stance, which suggests that NATO admission should only occur after the war, contingent upon crucial anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy, while grateful for Germany’s military assistance, did not shy away from expressing concern over its hesitance to support Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. He remarked, “The fact that the German side is skeptical about our joining NATO is a fact,” indicating that the influence of US backing may be necessary to sway German opinion.
The situation is further complicated by the positions of Hungary and Slovakia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán described Zelenskyy’s victory plan as “more than terrifying,” while Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico ominously warned that Ukraine’s NATO membership could “serve as a good basis for a third world war.”
Interestingly, Belgium, Slovenia, and Spain seem to prefer a more cautious approach, choosing to “hide behind the US and Germany,” according to one NATO official. A second official highlighted the ambiguity of support, stating that while these countries endorse the idea in theory, their enthusiasm dwindles as the prospect of concrete action approaches.
Amid this contentious backdrop, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stood out by advocating for an “opening up of a NATO perspective for Ukraine” during the recent EU leaders’ summit, hinting at a possible shift in the alliance’s dynamics if Ukraine’s calls are heard.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts and tensions escalate, Ukraine’s quest for NATO membership hangs in a precarious balance, leaving many to wonder if the alliance will rally in support of a nation fighting for its survival, or if hesitations will lead to dire consequences in the face of Russian aggression.
