Ukraine is making a strong case for its membership in NATO ahead of the summit in Vilnius this week. Speaking with the German news agency dpa, Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, emphasized the need for a clear and unequivocal invitation to join the Western defense alliance. While acknowledging that immediate accession may not be feasible, Makeiev stressed the importance of eliminating any ambiguity surrounding Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
The leaders of the 31 NATO member states will convene in Vilnius on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Ukraine’s membership prospects being a key topic of discussion. Makeiev cautioned against repeating the mistakes made at the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest, where Germany, led by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, opposed Ukraine’s swift admission to the alliance.
Highlighting the potential impact of Ukraine’s NATO membership, Makeiev told dpa, “If Ukraine had already been a NATO member in 2014, the Crimean annexation, the war in the Donbas, and the current Russian aggression would certainly not have taken place.” He further cited a recent poll indicating that a majority of Germans support Ukraine joining NATO in the future, suggesting that membership would pave the way for peace rather than escalate tensions.
Makeiev underscored the significance of the 2023 NATO summit in sending a resolute message to deter Russian aggression. He expressed hope that the summit would be remembered for its historic role in fostering unity and countering the ongoing challenges posed by Russia.
As the summit approaches, all eyes are on Vilnius, where the future of Ukraine’s NATO membership hangs in the balance. The outcome of the discussions will have far-reaching implications for the security landscape in Europe and the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
(With inputs from dpa)
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