A Question of Defense for NATO and Ukraine
Since NATO’s expansion following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the main question it’s faced has been how far the US and its allies will go to protect nations under their collective security umbrella.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine provided a firm answer, as NATO heavyweights ramped up security for members on the alliance’s eastern flank like Poland and the three Baltic states. But the war has raised a new question: Can a country in open conflict with Russia join?
The short answer is no. While NATO states have poured billions of dollars of economic and military aid into Ukraine to help it defend itself, making it a member would by definition draw them into the war with Russia.
Still, North Atlantic Treaty Organization leaders and officials meeting this week in Moldova and Norway outlined positions that indicate Kyiv may get, if not full membership, then at least some kind of insurance policy. Talks are underway on what that may entail before NATO’s July summit in Lithuania.
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