President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Ukraine’s ‘victory plan’ at the parliament in Kyiv, which includes a bid to join NATO. The proposal is supported by 84% of Ukrainians, who believe NATO membership would have prevented Russia’s invasions of the country. However, despite Ukraine’s application for NATO membership in 2022, the path to joining the alliance remains unclear. NATO has condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and provided support, but has not set a timeline for membership. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised questions about the country’s military readiness and its ability to meet NATO standards.
The idea of a West German model for NATO membership, allowing parts of Ukraine under Kyiv’s control to join the alliance, has been proposed as a possible solution. However, determining a clear demarcation line within Ukraine presents challenges, as conflict continues in regions like Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and even the capital city of Kyiv. While some believe Ukraine’s powerful military justifies NATO accession, others argue that the alliance should carefully consider the implications of adding Ukraine to its ranks. The legal and constitutional implications of such a model would also need to be addressed, as martial law in Ukraine has restricted the ability to make constitutional changes.
From Moscow’s perspective, the West German model for NATO membership in Ukraine would be strongly opposed, as it could be seen as a threat to Russian interests in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine was partly motivated by concerns about NATO expansion. While the concept of this model may raise tensions with Russia, it also poses challenges for Ukrainians, who have been deeply impacted by the ongoing conflict. Despite the potential benefits of NATO membership for Ukraine, including increased security and support, many Ukrainians are wary of any compromises that could undermine their hard-fought defense of the country.
The Ukrainian government’s stance on refusing to trade territory for peace highlights the challenges of balancing national security with the desires of the population. As Ukrainians continue to endure the effects of war, with many families directly impacted by conflict, the idea of a partial NATO membership presents emotional and political challenges. President Zelenskyy, who has seen a decline in popularity, faces the difficult task of navigating negotiations with NATO, the US, and his own people. The decision regarding NATO membership for Ukraine is not just a strategic or political issue, but also a deeply personal and emotional one for the people of Ukraine, who have sacrificed greatly to defend their sovereignty and democratic ideals.
