NATO’s history of running hot and cold on Ukraine is running cold again
A pivotal moment at a past NATO summit shed light on the uncertain relationship between the Western military alliance and Ukraine. Around four years ago, Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general at the time, was asked about Ukraine’s longstanding desire to join NATO. Despite waiting for over a dozen years and facing increased Russian aggression, Stoltenberg dismissed concerns about Russia’s opposition to Ukraine’s membership.
Ukraine had made its choice to align with the West, hoping for security and fairness in a collective alliance. However, it seemed that Ukraine was left waiting at the door, as the NATO summit discussions often overlooked its importance. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was once the center of attention at previous summits, found himself on the sidelines this time, as Western leaders discussed Ukraine’s fate behind closed doors.
Despite the lack of focus on Ukraine, Zelenskyy managed to secure additional military aid from the U.S. and European allies. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed Ukraine’s irreversible path to membership, despite the overshadowing priorities of the summit aimed at pleasing President Donald Trump.
The divide between Europe and the U.S. on Ukraine’s security was evident at the summit. While European allies viewed Ukraine’s security as essential to their own, the U.S. did not share the same perspective. The fear of Putin’s influence in Ukraine and the potential threat to European security was a driving force for European support for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership has been a significant obstacle, with Trump’s reluctance to criticize Moscow further complicating the issue. However, former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson pointed out that Putin never raised concerns about NATO enlargement during his time in office.
The betrayal felt by Ukraine and the international community is evident in the NATO-Russia Council agreement signed in 2002, which guaranteed the territorial integrity of all European nations, including Ukraine. Putin’s shift in stance towards Ukraine’s sovereignty has left many feeling deceived and abandoned.
As Ukrainians continue to face uncertainty and conflict, the past agreements and promises serve as a reminder of the capricious nature of international politics. The struggle for Ukraine’s security and sovereignty remains a complex issue, as alliances and priorities shift within the global landscape.
