In a significant development, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has formally requested that NATO extend an invitation for Ukraine’s membership during the upcoming meeting in Brussels. This move aligns with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “victory plan,” which posits that Ukraine’s accession to NATO could effectively conclude the active phase of the war initiated by Russia’s invasion in 2022.
President Zelensky has articulated that offering NATO membership to territories under Kyiv’s control would terminate the “hot stage” of the conflict. He emphasizes that any such proposal should encompass all regions within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders
However, the path to NATO membership is complex. Diplomats acknowledge that there is currently no consensus among the alliance’s 32 member nations to extend an invitation to Ukraine, as unanimous approval is required. While NATO has affirmed Ukraine’s future membership, no formal invitation or timeline has been established.
Domestically, there is a growing inclination among Ukrainians toward a negotiated resolution to the conflict, with over 50% supporting territorial concessions to halt the fighting. Conversely, Russia maintains that hostilities will cease only if Ukraine relinquishes claims to certain regions and abandons its NATO aspirations.
The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, as Ukraine’s potential NATO membership carries significant geopolitical implications.
The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, as Ukraine’s potential NATO membership carries significant geopolitical implications.
