Photo: Global Look Press
Ukraine will have problems on the way to NATO, writes the New York Times in an editorial.
According to the publication, Washington and its European allies feared and are afraid that the conflict will lead to the involvement of new participants, and it is not yet known how the loss of part of the territories by Ukraine will change the mood of the alliance in this regard.
NYT writes that France and Germany in the past opposed or were skeptical about Ukraine’s inclusion in NATO, and President Biden, fearing the emergence of new military obligations from the United States, also reluctantly supported Ukraine’s membership in the past.
The publication also notes that NATO practices an “open door policy” – this means that any European nation that wants to join the alliance can do so if it meets certain requirements. Among them is a commitment to democracy, individual freedom and support for the rule of law. While Ukrainian leaders say that their country corresponds to all this, some American and European officials say otherwise, writes the NYT.
According to the authors of the article, Ukraine’s membership in NATO at the moment “seems unrealistic.”
Earlier, Politico, citing sources, reported that the White House did not expect Ukraine to submit an application for accelerated NATO membership. The American permanent representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said that Greenfield noted that Washington will continue to support Ukraine in “protecting itself,” but each country will consider the possibility of granting Kiev membership in NATO independently. The White House said that “now is not the time” for the process of Ukraine’s admission to NATO. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also said that currently the goal is only to help Ukraine.