The debate over Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO has intensified, with divisions emerging among alliance members about the conditions for granting a membership invitation and the path to full membership.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, speaking after a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, highlighted the need for a clear consensus among the 32 member states on the criteria Ukraine must fulfill to receive an invitation and eventually join the alliance. This follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s unveiling of a five-point plan that includes a call for immediate NATO membership. Zelenskyy’s plan aims to signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the invasion will ultimately lead to Russia’s geopolitical defeat.
While NATO has previously affirmed Ukraine’s future membership, concerns remain about the implications of joining during wartime, particularly the risk of escalating the conflict into a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. Consequently, alliance leaders have avoided directly addressing Zelenskyy’s renewed push for an invitation.
Brekelmans expressed the existence of “very different opinions” within NATO regarding Ukraine’s membership. He stressed the importance of establishing clear conditions and a process to ensure all members are on board. “If you don’t have that clarity upfront, I don’t see (that) 32 allies agree to granting an invitation,” he stated.
When asked about specific conditions Ukraine might need to meet, Brekelmans pointed to the need to address corruption within the country. He emphasized that for Ukraine to modernize its armed forces with the assistance of other countries, progress on anti-corruption measures is crucial. “If you want to modernize the Ukrainian armed forces, and have involvement of other countries, then I can imagine that you also want to assess the progress that Ukrainians make on that dimension,” he said.
The debate over Ukraine’s membership underscores the complex geopolitical considerations surrounding the conflict. While NATO has offered support to Ukraine, including military aid, the issue of membership raises significant concerns about the potential for further escalation with Russia. The path forward for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations will likely involve further discussions and negotiations among alliance members, with a focus on establishing clear conditions and ensuring a united approach to the issue.