When it comes to the issue of Ukraine joining NATO, it is important to understand that this is not just a political gesture, but a strategic choice. Pavlo Luzin, an expert on Russian military potential at the Washington-based Center for European Policy Analysis, notes that Ukraine should rethink its attitude towards NATO membership.
“I do not consider myself entitled to give advice to Ukraine, because I am not its citizen. But, based on what I research and discuss with my colleagues, it is important not to fetishize NATO membership. It should not be an end in itself,” Luzin emphasizes.
According to Luzin, Ukraine is already a NATO ally and the largest recipient of assistance from the Alliance. “The Ukrainian army, even before 2022, was transitioning to NATO standards. This applies not only to weapons, but also to education and training,” he adds.
Luzin points to the example of Finland and Sweden, which quickly joined NATO thanks to decades of cooperation with the Alliance. “Finland and Sweden were already de facto NATO allies, and when the need arose, they received de jure status,” the expert explains.
“We must not forget about Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has had candidate status since 2010, but no real progress has been made due to political and economic difficulties. The most important thing is not an invitation to join, but internal reforms and development,” Luzin notes.
He also draws parallels with other countries that are not NATO members but have close ties to the Alliance. “Israel and Australia are not NATO members, but they are Western allies. South Korea and Japan have also come a long way in economic and military development to become true partners of the United States,” Luzin adds.
Luzin emphasizes that it is important to focus on internal transformations, not just on the formal aspects of membership.
“There is no need to fetishize membership in the Alliance or the MAP. The real goal is internal change and development,” he summarizes.
It is important to focus on internal reforms and transformations that will make the country stronger and more independent, regardless of its formal status in the Alliance. This is a long path that requires significant efforts, but it is this path that will lead to true partnership and security for Ukraine.
