How NATO Can Step Up for Ukraine
When examining the evolving global political landscape, there is one prevailing issue that should dominate all others — the crisis unfolding in Ukraine. One can argue that this issue has elevated the relevance of the most recent meeting in Vilnius to a uniquely significant level.
There’s no denying the harsh reality that Ukraine has found itself caught in the crosshairs of international geopolitics. They’ve lost territory to Russia, experienced invasion not once, but twice in the last decade, and seen civilians caught in the brutal crossfire. Russia’s unsettling record of interventionism also extends to countries like Georgia and Moldova. Therefore, the question that naturally arises is: how can NATO help Ukraine regain lost ground, secure its borders, and deter future invasions?
A critical step would be NATO signalling its readiness and willingness to accept Ukraine as a member. True, Ukraine cannot join NATO while it’s engaged in an active war — that’s a fundamental barrier. However, NATO’s willingness to embrace Ukraine once peace is restored could offer a beacon of hope amidst the tumult. Additionally, NATO can, in the interim, establish mechanisms to aid Ukraine, such as a joint council to streamline the country’s interactions with NATO. In doing so, Ukraine could potentially access NATO weaponry and support on a faster and more consistent basis than the haphazard supply it currently receives.
What would this mean for Ukraine? Well, the nation will receive a positive, affirming signal, essentially telling them they are seen, heard, and not alone. Once they join, they will enjoy the protection we all enjoy under the umbrella of collective self-defense — an integral tenet of the NATO agreement.
The elephant in the room, however, is the controversial use of cluster bombs in the ongoing war. These weapons, which are banned by many nations (although not all, with America, Russia, and Ukraine being notable non-signatories), pose a moral dilemma. Russia’s alleged use of such weaponry against civilians is a gross violation of the laws of war. Ukraine, in its desperate need to defend its people and its territory, might argue that it is justified in using every tool at its disposal, including cluster bombs.
But this conundrum exposes a more significant issue. Had Ukraine received the kind of air support and missile defense it desperately needed from the start, we wouldn’t have forced them into a trench warfare scenario reminiscent of World War I. It’s crucial to remember that Ukraine is defending its civilians and territory. If its military believes certain weapons can aid in achieving that goal, who are we to argue?
The crux here lies in navigating the labyrinth of perspectives within NATO itself. With 31 different members, each with distinct viewpoints on arms sales and international conventions, disagreements are inevitable. Take, for instance, the possible discord between President Biden and Rishi Sunak on this very issue. Yet, such disagreements must not eclipse the broader picture: helping Ukraine win this war and securing its future.
Moving forward, the most pressing matters revolve around how to step up the supply of shells and missiles that the Ukrainian Army desperately needs and ushering Ukraine into the NATO fold. This protective alliance would secure its borders and assure a peaceful future, marking a critical milestone in global geopolitics.
In conclusion, the Vilnius NATO Summit serve to illuminate the pressing need for a united front in supporting Ukraine during this challenging period. The pathway to membership, though fraught with complexity, offers a strategic mechanism for the global community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
After all, NATO summits come and go, but some genuinely stand out in their ability to shape our times. I believe the recent Vilnius summit will be one of them. It’s on us now to ensure that Ukraine does not fight alone. The international community needs to guarantee that when the fog of war lifts, Ukraine is welcomed into the NATO family, providing the long-desired shield of collective self-defense and securing a more stable geopolitical future.
