Germany prepares to block Ukraine's application for NATO membership

Germany is going to insist on postponing Ukraine's accession to the NATO because of fears that this step could lead to war with Russia.

This is stated by The Telegraph, citing a NATO source, Ukrinform reports.

According to the source, Berlin will use the NATO summit in Vilnius to urge others to focus on security guarantees rather than membership offers to help Ukraine defend itself without joining the Alliance.

"Berlin is cautious about the prospect of immediate membership. It needs a process and time to develop guarantees, effectively blocking membership. Berlin doesn't want to see Vladimir Putin potentially invoke Article 5," the source said.

Germany's concerns seem to be shared by US President Joe Biden, who said he wants to avoid a situation where "we are all at war, we are at war with Russia." Biden added that Ukraine was "not ready" for NATO membership and that it would "take some time," while his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said: "We are not looking to start World War III. Ukraine will not join NATO after this summit."

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been gradually launching his campaign for the country's accession to NATO, the author writes. The leader of the warring nation has called on 31 NATO member states to take concrete steps toward Ukraine's membership so that his country can quickly join the transatlantic alliance after the war.

Germany and the United States have privately warned that such a move could turn the current conflict into an active war between NATO and Russia.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 10/07/2023