Allowing Ukraine to join NATO could trigger an apocalyptic war with Russia, analysts warn.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week presented a “victory plan” designed to end Russia’s invasion of his country, which included Ukraine joining the transatlantic military alliance.
Experts at think tank the Henry Jackson Society urged the west to continue supporting Ukraine but warned that NATO membership should be ruled out.
Dr Helena Ivanov, research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, said: “Until the war is over, territorial disputes are settled, and a peace agreement is signed and honoured, inviting Ukraine to join NATO would, at best, be an empty gesture with no real effect, and at worst, could trigger an open conflict between NATO and Russia – a scenario from which none of us would live to tell the tale.”
She also said that Ukraine did not meet the criteria for NATO membership because it has high levels of corruption and concerns have been raised about a crackdown on parties viewed as sympathetic to Russia.
“Lowering the standards to admit Ukraine would set a dangerous precedent and risk undermining NATO membership altogether.”
However the think tank welcomed other elements of Zelensky’s plan, including giving the US and EU access to Ukraine’s vast natural resources and replacing some US troops stationed in Europe with Ukrainian troops.
Dr Ivanov said: “Cooperation in the critical minerals sector would not only bolster Ukraine’s economic security but reduce Western dependence on China.”
Officials in the US estimate 120,000 Russians and 70,000 Ukrainians have been killed since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.
US President Joe Biden urged Ukraine’s Western allies to “sustain our resolve” in supporting the country when he met Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin last week.
But there are concerns that Donald Trump could cut US support or force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia if he regains the presidency in an election on November 5.
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