There is a lot of talk about Ukraine's membership in NATO now, especially after the last anniversary summit. We analyzed an interesting article on this topic that was written the day before and are now ready to share the main theses with our readers.
About the author: Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and author of “Not One Inch: America, Russia, and the Making of Post–Cold War Stalemate.”.
At NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington this week, Ukraine will not become the alliance’s 33rd member (and it did – editors) . Instead, American officials are talking about providing Ukraine with a “bridge to NATO.” But a formal move toward membership seems impossible while Kyiv is at war, given the special significance of the alliance’s Article 5, which guarantees that an attack on one is an attack on all.
Despite these concerns, there are several important steps that Ukraine can take to accelerate its accession to NATO.
1. Definition of the temporary border
Ukraine must define a temporary border that could be defended militarily. 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. It did not recognize the eastern border as permanent, but accepted it temporarily.
2. Agreeing to self-restraints regarding infrastructure
Ukraine could commit to self-limiting infrastructure in 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 deployment of foreign troops on its territory.
3. The obligation not to use military force beyond the temporary border
Ukraine could commit not to use military force beyond a temporary border except in self-defense. West Germany took a similar step to reassure NATO allies that they would not suddenly find themselves at war with the Soviet Union. This would allow NATO to accept Ukraine without exposing the Alliance to immediate war with Russia.
Securing Ukraine’s future should not be seen as an altruistic act. It is an act of self-defense that requires implementation now. While these steps may be difficult and controversial, they can provide the basis for Ukraine’s rapid accession to NATO, which is critical to ensuring the long-term security of Ukraine and the entire European continent.
