NATO accession of Ukraine
Balten welcome the application, Baerbock waves it away
10/01/2022 07:41 am
In an accelerated process, Ukraine now wants to quickly join the NATO alliance – also as a reaction to Russia’s annexation of the areas in the east. While Germany and the USA are reacting cautiously, the Baltic States are signaling their support.
The USA currently sees no need for an accelerated procedure for Ukraine’s NATO accession. “Our view is that the best way we can help Ukraine is through practical assistance on the ground. And that the Brussels case should be picked up at another time,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in Washington. At the same time, he emphasized that all decisions on NATO membership are a matter for the accession candidates and the members of the alliance.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was clearer: she could understand Ukraine’s desire for early membership, said Baerbock on the ARD “Focal Point”. Nevertheless, she sees no chance for rapid NATO admission. Although Ukraine will continue to be supported in its right to self-defense, it has also been made clear from the first day of the war that “we have a responsibility to ensure that the war does not spread to other countries and that NATO does not become a war partner.” . That would still be true today.
Support, on the other hand, comes from the Baltic states: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in an identical message shared by their foreign ministers on Twitter. “Ukraine’s Baltic friends fully support Ukraine’s admission to NATO as soon as possible,” it said. “Ukraine’s inspiring courage can only strengthen our alliance.”
“A Crucial Moment”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an application for accelerated NATO accession on Friday after Russia formally annexed four Ukrainian regions. “In fact, we’ve already made our way into NATO,” he said. “Today Ukraine is applying to do it de jure.”
In a first reaction, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that “NATO’s door remains open”, but said nothing about the chances of success. Any state can apply for accelerated admission to NATO, but all member countries must agree to this admission. That is considered extremely unlikely.