Macron and Zelenskyy at the Paris summit after 26 nations pledged Ukraine security guarantees [Image by Daily Sabah]
Ukraine has made a significant concession, abandoning its pursuit of NATO membership in exchange for robust security guarantees from Western allies, including the US, Canada, and Japan. This pivotal decision, announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aims to pave the way for peace negotiations with Russia.
The move represents a substantial shift for Ukraine, which has long sought NATO membership as a safeguard against Russian aggression. This aspiration is even enshrined in Ukraine’s constitution. However, Zelenskiy emphasized that the security guarantees offered by Western allies, akin to NATO’s Article 5, would provide comparable protection.
These guarantees are designed to deter future Russian attacks and deepen cooperation with allies. While full NATO membership remains a priority, the proposed format is seen as a crucial step toward stability and predictability in the region.
EU-US Do Not Support Ukraine Joining NATO
Image: BBC.News,
Zelenskiy framed this decision as a compromise, acknowledging that some partners, including the US and certain European countries, did not support Ukraine’s NATO accession. The Ukrainian president is set to discuss this development with US envoys in Berlin, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The US has indicated willingness to provide guarantees based on NATO Article 5, subject to congressional approval. This move aligns with one of Russia’s war aims, although Ukraine remains resolute against ceding territory to Moscow.
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