NATO Summit Ends with Significant Successes and Strains Over Ukraine’s Path to Membership
The NATO summit that concluded on Wednesday saw the alliance achieve important victories in its efforts to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. The summit resulted in Turkey lifting its objections to Sweden’s membership, the approval of new spending goals, and the most ambitious military plans for Europe’s defense since the Cold War. Long-term support for Kyiv was also committed to by member states, and the consensus was reached that Ukraine belongs in NATO.
Nevertheless, tensions arose among alliance members during discussions on Ukraine’s path to NATO membership. The summit’s final communiqué used ambiguous diplomatic language, leaving the timing and conditions for Ukraine’s invitation to apply for membership unspecified. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and his Central European supporters expressed their disappointment and demanded clearer commitments. Zelensky took to Twitter to voice his anger, leading to significant controversy among NATO members.
Some experts criticized the communiqué for its lack of clarity and described it as confused and weak. Additionally, the timing and conditions for Ukraine’s future NATO membership remained uncertain. However, President Emmanuel Macron of France acknowledged Ukraine’s demands and emphasized that the alliance had remained united in its support for the country. Macron highlighted the concrete military aid provided to Ukraine and stressed that the path to NATO membership was clear.
Despite the mixed reactions, it is evident that Ukraine has made significant progress toward joining NATO. The acceptance of Ukraine’s future NATO membership by all member states represents a cultural shift within the alliance. The path and timing for Ukraine to join remain undefined, but the consensus is that it is a matter of when, not if. This acceptance has been facilitated by a change in American and French policy. President Biden and Macron have both expressed support for Ukraine’s membership in NATO, with Biden even waiving the preliminary Membership Action Program that other post-Soviet countries had to undergo.
In addition to the promise of membership, Ukraine also received commitments for increased military aid and upgraded relations with NATO through the NATO-Ukraine Council. The Group of 7 industrial nations also issued a joint declaration pledging long-term security assistance for Ukraine. The declaration allows individual nations to negotiate their own arrangements with Ukraine while keeping commitments separate from NATO, avoiding the perception that NATO is a combatant in the conflict.
Despite these achievements, some experts argue that NATO missed opportunities in providing clearer guidelines for Ukraine’s accession process. The timing and conditions for Ukraine’s membership remain contentious issues within the alliance. The conflict in Ukraine must first come to an end, but discussions on what constitutes an acceptable resolution and a stable line of control continue to divide member states. Experts suggest that a more substantive conversation within NATO is necessary to determine the appropriate moment and specific milestones for Ukraine’s accession.
Overall, the NATO summit showcased the alliance’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense and its eventual membership in the organization. While challenges and divisions remain, significant progress has been made, bringing Ukraine closer to its goal of joining NATO and ensuring its long-term security.