US and Germany Allegedly Hindering Ukraine's NATO Membership Bid
Ukraine's NATO Membership Request Stalled
According to Western and NATO defense officials, the United States and Germany are allegedly obstructing Ukraine's bid to join the North Atlantic alliance. This has been a key component of President Zelensky's 'victory plan'. Despite Zelensky's urgent call for an invitation, support for Kiev has dwindled in the West due to Russia's evident dominance in eastern Ukraine and a pervasive sense of war fatigue.
US and Germany's Role in Ukraine's NATO Bid
As reported by Politico, "Germany and the U.S. are among the major powers slow-walking Zelenskyy’s call for an immediate invitation to join NATO, according to four U.S. and NATO officials and diplomats who were granted anonymity to share the latest internal discussions." Hungary and Slovakia have also been noticeably reticent, actively obstructing Ukraine's path to NATO membership due to concerns that it could lead to World War 3 with Russia.
Germany's Stance on Ukraine's NATO Membership
Germany has been a significant source of recent tension for Kiev. Julianne Smith, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to NATO, highlighted the American stance, stating that the alliance is not yet ready to extend an invitation or offer membership to Ukraine. Zelensky acknowledged that Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, despite being a major military provider for Ukraine, will not support his call for swift NATO membership.
Zelensky's Comments on Germany's Position
Zelensky stated, “I have a very good relationship with Scholz. I am grateful that Scholz is helping. Germany is second in terms of support. But the fact that the German side is skeptical about our joining NATO is a fact ... We will all have to work a lot with the German side. But still, the United States will have an influence on it.” He also suggested that Germany's hesitancy stems from fear of Russia's potential reaction.
NATO Officials' Remarks on Membership Issue
An anonymous NATO official told Politico that "Countries like Belgium, Slovenia, or Spain are hiding behind the U.S. and Germany. They are reluctant." Another official noted that while countries may support Ukraine's membership in theory, they could become more publicly and vocally opposed as the prospect becomes more tangible.
Support for Ukraine's NATO Membership
Despite this, there are still advocates for Ukraine's fast-tracked membership within NATO, particularly among the 'eastern flank' countries, including Poland and the Baltic nations.
Bottom Line
The issue of Ukraine's NATO membership is a complex and multi-faceted one, involving a delicate balance of power and international relations. It raises questions about the role of major powers in influencing the decisions of international alliances and the potential consequences of such decisions. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think Ukraine should be granted NATO membership? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.
