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Subscribe here: Ukraine first declared its intention to join NATO in 2002. Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and initially pursued a neutrality policy. But the growing influence of Russia prompted it to push for a NATO membership, especially after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russia has always been in opposition to Ukraine joining NATO. In December 2021, Russia issued an ultimatum to both NATO and the U.S. insisting that the alliance halt its expansion and withdraw forces from Eastern Europe. Russia demanded Ukraine be barred from NATO membership. These so-called “red lines,“ from Russia were rejected and tensions escalated. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia has long warned that it would respond severely if Ukraine were to join NATO. “Being part of a collective security alliance means a no-go for Russia in the future war. Ukrainian citizens do not believe any other security arrangement can prevent future wars. Ukraine that is firmly integrated with NATO will be able to contain Russia, attract FDI to rebuild its economy and enable return of millions of its refugees from abroad. Any other scenario will leave Ukraine in a grey zone and temp the Kremlin to have another go at destroying Ukrainian state.“ “Giving Ukraine (an) invitation at this moment is a political signal,“ Nataliia Galibarenko, Kyiv's NATO ambassador told Reuters. “We sincerely believe that it can be part of the legacy of (the) current American administration.“ A formal invitation to join NATO is a part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's “victory plan,“ which he has presented to parliament in Kyiv. The plan also includes the lifting of restrictions on Ukraine's ability to use long-range strikes on Russia, the continuation of the Kursk incursion, and a refusal to cede any more Ukrainian territory, as per the BBC. Stay connected with us! Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: #eudebates the unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens. #NATO #Ukraine #war #Zelensky #Russia #sanctions #inflation #Energy #Russia
