Ukrainian President Zelensky advocates for NATO membership that encompasses all of Ukraine’s territories under its control, warning against recognizing Russian-occupied areas as part of Russia. He argues that doing so would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, emphasizing that any NATO offer must include all territories. This approach aims to stabilize Ukraine and strengthen its bargaining position in any future negotiations with Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has emphasized that offering NATO membership to only a portion of Ukraine could pave the way for recognizing Russian control over occupied territories. In an interview with Sky News, he articulated a clear call for NATO to extend membership to all regions under Ukraine’s control to prevent acknowledging any part of Ukraine as Russian territory. Zelensky’s position indicates that NATO membership is crucial for ending the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has seen significant territorial gains in Eastern Ukraine since 2022.
Zelensky stated, “You can’t give an invitation to just one part of a country… So legally, by law, we have no right to recognize the occupied territory as territory of Russia.” His comments reflect the constitutional stance of Ukraine which does not allow recognition of any territory currently under Russian occupation as part of Russia. Zelensky contends that NATO’s security umbrella is essential for stabilizing Ukraine and facilitating a diplomatic approach to reclaim its lost territory.
The call for NATO membership is part of Zelensky’s broader strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s position in potential negotiations with Russia. Military aid and support from NATO allies will be pivotal in the upcoming discussions among NATO foreign ministers scheduled for December 3, focusing on resources to aid Ukraine against Russian aggression. However, any move towards membership still faces the requirement of consensus among all NATO member nations.
In light of recent developments, including increasing pressure along Ukraine’s extensive frontline and the appointment of new military leaders to the Ukrainian armed forces, Zelensky’s strategy underscores the urgent need for support in the fight against Russia. While pressure mounts from Russia with continued drone attacks and territorial claims, the focus remains on both military readiness and the diplomatic efforts needed to pursue future NATO membership effectively.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, has involved significant territorial gains by Russian forces, now occupying nearly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory. Ukraine’s aspiration for NATO membership has been a central issue amid the conflict, with the alliance members convening to discuss their support for Ukraine amidst the deterioration of the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. Recognizing the occupied territories as part of Russia poses legal and diplomatic challenges, complicating Ukraine’s ambitions for NATO integration. The imperative for Ukraine to secure a defensible position is underscored by military developments and the necessity to align strategies with the collective defense principles of NATO.
President Zelensky’s insistence on NATO membership extending over all Ukrainian territories underscores the complex dynamics of international military diplomacy amid a prolonged conflict with Russia. The legalities surrounding territorial recognition impact Ukraine’s engagement with NATO, while ongoing military developments highlight the urgency of securing Western support. With recent military leadership changes and pressures from Russian forces, the discourse around NATO membership remains a crucial element of Ukraine’s strategic framework moving forward.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
