The upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C., from July 9-11, 2024, will mark the 75th anniversaryof the Alliance’s founding. This summit holdssignificant importance amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the escalating tensions betweenRussia and the West. Expectations for the summit arehigh for both Ukraine and NATO member countries.
The primary focus of the meeting will be outlining thefuture directions of cooperation between Ukraine andNATO, as well as addressing the issue of Ukraine’smembership in the Alliance.
Expected Outcomes from the NATO Summit
The 2024 NATO Summit is anticipated to result in decisions that will enhance Ukraine’s security and bring it closer to full NATO membership. The summit is expected to recognize Russia as the primary security threat. What does this mean? NATO must clearly acknowledge that Russia poses the greatest threat to regional security and adapt its policies accordingly. This includes increasing assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, particularly in the context of air defense.
Unanimous support for Ukraine from NATO leaders is expected, especially regarding air defense and the prospect of membership in the Alliance. NATO leaders should adopt a unified stance on providing Ukraine with a clear path to membership. This decision should be made without considering Kremlin interests, allowing Ukraine to obtain the necessary security guarantees.
The scale and forms of NATO support have already brought Ukraine to a status akin to that of a member state, though without formal commitments to military protection in case of an external attack. However, this support needs to be intensified, particularly through additional supplies of weapons and ammunition. A crucial aspect will be the establishment of an air defense “umbrella” over major Ukrainian cities to protect against Russian missile attacks.
Ukraine should receive a clear perspective on NATO membership, which will become the best security guarantee for the country in the future.
NATO’s Role in Ensuring Ukraine’s Victory in the War Against Russia
NATO must play a primary coordinating role in supplying the necessary equipment to Ukraine to achieve victory. The main aspects should focus on the strategic outcome of the war and increasing the production of weapons while ensuring their continuous supply. What does this mean? It means that the United States and NATO allies should use the summit as an opportunity to agree on a strategic outcome for the war in Ukraine and demonstrate to Putin that Moscow has no chance of defeating Kyiv.
Additionally, Alliance members need to recognize the necessity of increasing the production of weapons and ammunition not only for their own defense but also for use by Ukraine. Along with this, NATO should ensure a steady supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, without restricting their use against military targets on Russian territory.
The Necessity of Ukraine’s Admission to NATO
Ukraine, which directly borders Russia, is under constant threat of Russian aggression. The main arguments for the necessity of its accession to NATO include:
1. Security Guarantee: NATO membership will be the most effective security guarantee for Ukraine, strengthening stability in the region.
2. Enhanced Negotiating Position: An official invitation for Ukraine to join NATO will significantly enhance its negotiating position in any future talks with Moscow.
3. Strategic Approach: A more comprehensive strategic approach is needed to ensure Ukraine’s independence and security, culminating in a decision on its NATO membership.
4. Reforming the Alliance: Ukraine’s entry into NATO could serve as a catalyst for reforming and updating the Alliance, which is crucial given contemporary security challenges.
Positive Context: Ukraine is Already in NATO
Ukraine has, in many ways, already been integrated into NATO. The scale and forms of support from NATO member countries have effectively made it a de facto member of the Alliance, though without formal obligations. This includes not only military assistance but also deep cooperation in defense and security sectors. The Ukrainian armed forces have received a significant amount of modern weaponry and equipment, which has greatly enhanced their combat potential and allowed them to effectively counter Russian aggression.
Officially admitting Ukraine to NATO would merely formalize this reality, thereby strengthening the defense capabilities of both Ukraine and the Alliance as a whole. Ukraine has already proven its effectiveness in deterring Russian aggression, and its NATO membership would further solidify the Alliance’s stance in relations with Russia. Additionally, this would provide Ukraine with the necessary security guarantees and create additional opportunities for its development and prosperity.
The 2024 NATO Summit in Washington is critically important for the future security of Ukraine and stability in Europe. It is expected that the summit will demonstrate decisive support for Ukraine from the Alliance, provide a clear signal regarding its prospects in NATO, and outline specific steps for deepening cooperation between Ukraine and NATO member countries. These decisions will be a significant step towards ensuring Ukraine’s victory in the war with Russia and strengthening Euro-Atlantic security.
