German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected Ukraine’s immediate invitation to join NATO, stating that a country at war cannot become a member of the alliance. This comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled a victory plan that includes Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO as a top priority. Despite Germany previously having reservations about this move, Kyiv submitted an application to join NATO in September 2022. However, Scholz emphasized that there is currently no need for any new decision regarding Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
Scholz’s comments have garnered attention, as they are the first public remarks he has made regarding Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. He dismissed Zelensky’s calls for an invitation to join the alliance, stating that an invitation is typically quickly followed by membership. President Zelensky has been vocal about Ukraine’s desire to join NATO only after Russia’s full-scale war ends. However, he has noted that Germany’s stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership has softened, even though they remain skeptical. Zelensky believes that the United States will have an impact on this skepticism and may influence other NATO countries like Hungary and Slovakia.
Following a meeting with Scholz in Berlin, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini also expressed that Ukraine’s immediate accession to NATO is not realistic. He stated that the issue of Ukraine’s accession is not currently on the table and cannot be brought to the table at this time. This sentiment aligns with a report from Politico, which indicated that at least seven NATO countries are reluctant to grant Ukraine an invitation to join the alliance. Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith has confirmed that NATO does not have plans to invite Ukraine into the alliance in the immediate future. These developments underscore the complexities surrounding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.
Despite Zelensky’s consistent appeals for a NATO membership invitation, there remains skepticism and reluctance among some NATO countries, including Germany and Slovakia. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict with Russia, with Germany emphasizing that a country at war cannot join NATO. While Zelensky continues to stress the importance of Ukraine joining NATO after the war with Russia ends, it is clear that there are significant hurdles to overcome. The discussions and differing opinions within NATO member countries highlight the challenges and considerations involved in Ukraine’s potential accession to the alliance.
Overall, the issue of Ukraine’s NATO membership remains a topic of debate and contention within the alliance. While some countries, like Ukraine and the United States, advocate for Ukraine to join NATO, others, including Germany and Slovakia, are more cautious and hesitant. The conflict with Russia and the implications for NATO’s security and stability are key factors influencing these discussions. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for all parties involved to consider the complexities and potential consequences of Ukraine’s accession to NATO. The differing perspectives and approaches within NATO underscore the need for continued dialogue and diplomacy in addressing this critical issue.
