Ukraine may join NATO before de-occupation of the south and Donbas

The West is discussing how to guarantee Ukraine's security even before it regains control of the territories temporarily occupied by Russia. There is an idea to offer our country to join NATO following the example of West Germany. That is, even before the de-occupation of the south and Donbas, and to preserve the restoration of territorial integrity as a goal for the future.

The New York Times described the scenario of such a possible membership of Ukraine in the North Atlantic Alliance.

"West Germany could become a model, a precedent for admitting a divided country to NATO. Despite its division and the unfortunate role of a border between nuclear rivals during the Cold War, West Germany became a NATO member in 1955, enjoying the protection of the alliance, never giving up its desire for unification, which was finally realized in 1989," the publication recalled.

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine wants to receive more concrete prospects for membership in the Alliance at the upcoming NATO summit in July. Therefore, as the summit approaches, NATO member states are discussing what they can offer Kyiv.

"The West German model is gaining momentum in some European capitals as a way to provide Ukraine with real security, even if it does not immediately regain all of its territory," the newspaper writes.

The example of West Germany shatters the counterargument that NATO cannot accept a country that is fighting over disputed territory.

The New York Times quotes French defense expert François Heisbourg. He noted that if the war does not lead to the withdrawal of Russian troops, then Zelenskyy and Ukrainians "could be persuaded to join NATO along a well-established ceasefire line, perhaps patrolled by a coalition of NATO peacekeeping forces and other countries such as India or even China."

At the same time, the full reunification of Ukraine will remain a pressing issue for the future. And NATO membership would strengthen peace and make it possible to rebuild the country, attract investment and return many refugees, the article notes.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 27/05/2023