As the NATO summit concludes, leaders of the alliance have agreed to provide Ukraine with increased military assistance in its fight against Russia. However, the issue of future membership of Ukraine in NATO remains uncertain. Only vague assurances given in the final draft agreement.
The agreement stipulates that Ukraine can join NATO “when allies agree and conditions are met.” The ambiguous outcome reflects the challenges of reaching a consensus among the current NATO members while the conflict between Ukraine and Russia persists. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was present at the summit’s final day, expressed dissatisfaction. With NATO’s reluctance to establish a clear timeline for his country’s inclusion in the alliance, describing it as “absurd.”
The Western countries participating in the summit have shown willingness to continue supplying weapons. To support Ukraine’s defence against a potential Russian invasion, fulfilling NATO’s core purpose. However, they have stopped short of granting Ukraine full membership in NATO and the associated security benefits.
Is that too much to ask?
During a speech in Vilnius on Tuesday, Zelensky expressed his faith in NATO. But urged for more decisive action. Stating, “I would like this faith to become confidence, confidence in the decisions that we deserve, all of us, every soldier, every citizen, every mother, every child. Is that too much to ask?”
In Vilnius, symbols of support for Ukraine are evident, with blue-and-yellow flags adorning buildings and displayed inside windows. One sign expressed disdain for Russian President Vladimir Putin, while another called on NATO leaders to expedite their assistance to Ukraine.
The issue of Ukraine’s potential NATO membership remains a complex matter influenced by geopolitical considerations and concerns about provoking further tensions with Russia. While military support continues to be extended. The alliance’s members have yet to reach a definitive agreement on Ukraine’s future inclusion. Leaving the matter unresolved as the situation in the region persists.
