Now there is a lot of talk about Ukraine's membership in NATO, especially after the last anniversary summit was held. We analyzed an interesting article on this topic, which was written the day before, and are now ready to share the main points with our readers.
About the author: Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and author of the book "Not One Inch: America, Russia, and the Making of Post–Cold War Stalemate."
At the 75th anniversary summit of NATO in Washington this week, Ukraine will not become the 33rd member of the Alliance (this is what happened - editorial) . Instead, American officials talk about providing Ukraine with a "bridge to NATO." However, a formal move towards membership seems impossible as long as Kyiv is at war, given the special importance of Article 5 of the Alliance, which guarantees that an attack on one will be considered an attack on all.
Despite these concerns, there are several important steps Ukraine can take to accelerate its accession to NATO.
1. Determination of the temporary border
Ukraine should define a temporary border that could be defended from a military point of view. Historical examples, such as the division of Germany after World War II, show that this is possible. West Germany became a member of NATO in 1955, despite the division of the country. She did not recognize the eastern border as permanent, but put up with it temporarily.
2. Agreeing to self-limitation regarding infrastructure
Ukraine can undertake the self-limitation of infrastructure in the unoccupied territory. For example, the permanent deployment of foreign troops or nuclear weapons. This step could reduce the risk of a hostile response from Moscow. Norway used a similar strategy during the Cold War, limiting the placement of foreign troops on its territory.
3. Obligation not to use military force outside the temporary border
Ukraine can undertake not to use military force outside the temporary border, except for self-defense. West Germany took a similar step to reassure its NATO allies that they would not suddenly find themselves at war with the Soviet Union. This would allow NATO to accept Ukraine as a member without exposing the Alliance to an immediate war with Russia.
Securing Ukraine's future should not be seen as an altruistic act. This is an act of self-defense that requires implementation now. Although these steps may be difficult and controversial, they can provide the basis for Ukraine's rapid accession to NATO, which is critical for the long-term security of Ukraine and the entire European continent.
