Kyiv(Washington Insider Magazine)- Ukraine is currently in a rush and wants to take help from everywhere it looks possible. They plan to join NATO during the war. NATO which is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization happens to be a popular defensive military alliance. The organization came into being in 1949 and consists of 12 countries that include the US, UK, Canada, and France after the world war.
Other important members plan to help one another especially if they are under an armed attack. The question is, can Ukraine join NATO during the war? It is not surprising that the original goal of NATO was to stop the expansion of Russia into Europe.
How Can NATO Countries Support Ukraine?
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 brought a big change. Many East European countries that have been a part of the Russian Allies became NATO members. Many people have already supported Ukraine and condemned the attack by Russians.
At the recent Summit, all the NATO members pledged to offer millions of dollars to Ukraine. Membership in NATO has given these countries a big authority. It will help guard Ukrainians against Russian attacks on various cities. The use of missiles and Kamikaze drones are already destroying many places in Ukraine.
Ukraine and Georgia have joined hands to get help in times of need. The NATO allies including Germany are already sending units of Iris-T air in the air defense system. With all the aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones, Ukraine is in a much better position to go for a counterattack. Many of these supplies have already arrived in Ukraine.
The US has pledged to send a new NASAMS system since the invasion of Ukraine is reaching its peak. They are also planning to shoot down the aircraft, drones, and missiles coming to Ukraine. Some other members of NATO including Canada, France, and the Netherlands will send a big supply of nuclear weapons and air defence systems. The US is offering Ukraine weapons that are worth $15bn (£13.5bn).
Will Ukraine Join NATO?
According to the new NATO Summit, many countries are already helping Ukraine in many ways. In 2008 NATO has told Ukraine to join them. However, initially, no timetable was set for this. As soon as Russia got Crimea, it was decided that Ukraine joins NATO. They are planning to make this process ‘fast track’ and make Ukrainians a member.
There are around nine NATO allies from both central and Eastern Europe who are supporting the request from Russia. However, both USA and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believe it is time for full membership. It is much more important than just providing necessary weapons.
If Ukraine will now join the alliance, this conflict can lead to World War three. According to a Russian Security Council revealed this Thursday. “Kyiv Ukraine is well aware that such a step would mean a guaranteed escalation to World War Three’’.
Few hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the 18% annexation of Ukraine things changed. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a surprising announcement stating that Ukraine will get assistance from NATO. Due to the full NATO membership for Ukraine, all 30 members will be giving their constant instantly.
Why Are NATO Countries Not Sending Troops?
According to the charter of NATO, they cannot send their fighter jets to help Ukraine. However, they will come to the defense and save their fellow NATO member in case of an attack. As Ukraine is not fully a member of NATO, all these countries cannot send their troops to their territory.
The leading NATO countries especially the USA fears that by doing this they will entangle the situation even more. It may even put them into a direct conflict with Russia. Following this very reason, they are refusing to operate for a no-fly zone over this country.
There are around 40,000 NATO troops that are located in Eastern Europe. Some other NATO members including Lithuania and Poland are also on ‘high alert. President Vladimir Putin is trying his best to conquer Russia with what he has and Russian media is supporting him fully.
It is already known that foreign fighters are joining the military units in Ukraine. However, there is no evidence whether they are serving NATO members on the ground as well. Sweden and Finland are also planning to join NATO right after the invasion of Ukraine. All the members will be inviting these powers to join NATO. Turkey and Hungary are yet to extend their invitations.