NATO's support for Ukraine's integration faces Russian opposition
4:44 AM EST, December 7, 2023
NATO and Ukraine are poised to sign a list of reforms essential for Ukraine to become a part of the Alliance. However, notable divisions within the organization exist around this process. Russia, aided by one of its generals, plans to exploit these dissensions to hinder NATO, and by extension, the Western world, from accommodating Ukraine within its institution.
Ever since Russia stirred up the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has escalated his rhetoric about his nation's affiliation with NATO structures. This move was perceived as the paramount security assurance for Ukraine.
Despite the hopeful cessation of war following the signing of a solid peace treaty, the risk remains that Vladimir Putin, or another Russian leader, could reignite this aggression in the future. This threat makes it vital for Ukraine to have in place an effective deterrence mechanism.
Russia is determined to prevent this scenario from actualizing, and one of its generals has strategized to prevent NATO and the Western world from allowing Ukraine into its institutions.
"We definitely need the regions of Mykolaiv and Odessa. This is essential to deter NATO and the West from incorporating Ukraine into NATO structures," emphasizes a General of the Russian Army and former Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia, as cited by Anton Gerashchenko.
"These are Russia's true goals. It's not about what Putin claims, regarding 'protecting people'," Gerashchenko adds.
Does Article Five pose an obstacle for Ukraine?
The induction of Ukraine into NATO would trigger Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty. As a result, each alliance nation would immediately bear the risk of a direct war with Russia.
Nevertheless, it's crucial to highlight that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has asserted the allies' commitment to support Ukraine's journey to NATO. They also communicated their unwavering support for Kyiv.
"Germany has pledged 8 billion euros for the next year, and the Netherlands over 2 billion. Romania has opened an F-16 training center for Ukrainian pilots. Allies, including the USA and Finland, are providing additional anti-aircraft defense measures and ammunition," said Jens Stoltenberg.
