Diplomats believe Ukraine’s chances of securing membership are slim, with the Biden administration reluctant to approve any membership offers.
NATO Set to delay Ukraine’s membership bid as Trump looms. NATO foreign ministers are expected to hold off on Ukraine’s push for progress toward membership during their meeting on Tuesday, as the country seeks to secure its position before Donald Trump takes office as the next U.S. president.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped that NATO foreign ministers would issue recommendations for his country’s inclusion in the alliance. However, NATO leaders, particularly from the U.S. and Germany, have expressed caution about granting Ukraine membership, fearing it could escalate tensions with Russia and potentially drag NATO into direct conflict.
Diplomats believe Ukraine’s chances of securing membership are slim, with the Biden administration reluctant to approve any membership offers. U.S. officials privately stated that such a gesture could provoke Trump, who has indicated he would act against such a move once he takes office in January. Trump has previously stated he could bring an end to the war in Ukraine quickly, though without providing specific details on how he would achieve this.
During the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, discussions were expected to focus on support for Ukraine, with U.S. officials reaffirming that the country remains “on the path to NATO.” However, NATO membership is currently not a priority, given the geopolitical risks involved.
As NATO membership remains out of reach, Ukraine continues to press for more military aid, including air defense systems capable of countering Russia’s new experimental ballistic missiles. Kyiv has also asked NATO allies to provide advanced missile defense systems like the U.S.-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military is facing pressure on the eastern front as Russia continues its offensive. Kyiv is pushing for more weaponry and security guarantees, fearing a change in U.S. policy under Trump that could threaten continued aid.
Despite the challenges, discussions are reportedly underway among European diplomats about potential ways to enhance security for Ukraine, possibly through the deployment of European troops to enforce any future ceasefire agreement.
As Ukraine navigates these diplomatic hurdles, its leadership continues to stress the need for security guarantees to prevent further escalation of the war.
