NATO leaders are set to convene in Vilnius for a summit aimed at resolving conflicts surrounding Ukraine’s membership bid. The recent agreement to remove Turkey’s objection to Sweden joining the military alliance has paved the way for discussions on Ukraine. The summit will primarily focus on the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with NATO leaders expected to approve comprehensive plans to defend against potential attacks from Moscow. While there are varying opinions among NATO members regarding the timing and conditions of Ukraine’s membership, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hopes for a clear pathway to NATO membership in the post-war period. Zelenskiy stated on Twitter, “We already understand the fact that Ukraine will be in the Alliance,” underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to gaining membership.
The stance of Eastern European NATO members aligns with Ukraine’s push for NATO membership, as they believe it would serve as a deterrent against future Russian aggression. However, countries like the United States and Germany exercise caution, fearing that any action may escalate tensions with Russia and potentially trigger a global conflict. Diplomats are currently discussing specific phrases to include in the final text, such as “Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO” and that Ukraine will join “when conditions allow.” Additionally, there is a debate about incorporating the terms “invitation” or “invite” into the text. Negotiations are also focusing on the conditions Ukraine must meet to join NATO and how its progress will be monitored.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg has proposed the possibility of Ukraine skipping the Membership Action Plan (MAP), which helps countries meet political, economic, and military goals required for NATO membership. Stoltenberg expressed confidence in achieving unity and delivering a strong message regarding Ukraine. In anticipation of the summit, Russia has criticized the event, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova from the Russian Foreign Ministry describing it as “a colourful spectacle in the worst traditions of Western manipulation.”
The summit also addressed the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO. Finland became the 31st member in April, while Sweden’s application was delayed due to a dispute with Turkey. However, talks in Vilnius on Monday resulted in Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan agreeing to send Sweden’s application to the Turkish parliament for ratification. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg hailed this development as “historic.” The delay was caused by Turkey’s allegations that Sweden had not done enough to combat militants they consider terrorists. Sweden, along with Stoltenberg and other NATO members, maintained that they fulfilled their obligations regarding this issue. As part of the resolution, Sweden and Turkey agreed to establish a new “Security Compact” focused on combating terrorism. They also pledged to enhance economic cooperation, and Sweden committed to supporting efforts to facilitate Turkey’s closer relationship with the European Union.
Overall, the NATO summit in Vilnius is a crucial gathering that seeks to address the complexities surrounding Ukraine’s prospective membership. It is expected to pave the way for a clearer pathway to NATO membership post-war. Additionally, the resolution of the impasse between Turkey and Sweden signifies progress in expanding NATO’s membership.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
