Ukraine: The Latest

Ukraine 'could get instant NATO membership' if Russia breaks peace deal & Moscow set to declare 'victory'

Feb 21, 2025

Dr. Mike Martin, a defense expert and former soldier, shares insights on Ukraine's potential NATO membership contingent on Russia's actions. Verity Bowman, a foreign reporter, raises alarming discussions about war crimes, specifically the torture of female POWs. Tetyana Filevska, an expert in Ukrainian art, highlights the cultural significance of art amidst conflict and the legacy of Kazimir Malevich. Together, they navigate the intricate geopolitical landscape and the resilience of Ukrainian identity, emphasizing the importance of artistic contributions in times of crisis.

01:09:33

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Episode guests

Tetyana Filevska

Verity Bowman

Mike Martin

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Potential NATO membership for Ukraine hinges on Russia's adherence to peace terms, creating new security assurances for Kyiv.

Russia's impending declaration of victory aims to demoralize Ukraine and challenge its legitimacy, according to recent intelligence reports.

Accounts of war crimes against Ukrainian women reveal the urgent need for international intervention and highlight the brutality of the conflict.

Deep dives

NATO Membership Considerations for Ukraine

Discussions are underway regarding a potential NATO membership clause for Ukraine contingent upon Russian adherence to peace terms. This approach would allow Ukraine to bypass traditional accession hurdles in case of a Russian ceasefire violation, effectively ensuring its immediate entry into NATO. However, concerns persist about the credibility of international enforcement and the likelihood of actual compliance should such a clause be implemented. The strategy highlights ongoing uncertainties regarding the commitment of Western allies and their readiness to provide substantial security guarantees for Ukraine.

Intro

3min

Geopolitical Tensions: Ukraine's Struggle and Global Response

12min

Reassessing Euro-Atlantic Security Dynamics

13min

Navigating European Defense and the Plight of Female POWs in Ukraine

4min

Voices of Survival: Testimonies from Ukrainian Prisoners

5min

Unveiling Ukrainian Art and Women's Voices

31min

The Resilience of Ukrainian Identity and Art

2min

Engagement and Support in a Time of Disinformation

2min

Day 1,094.

Today, we hear how Washington is said to be considering a deal, which – if Russia broke – would see Ukraine automatically acquire membership to NATO, hear about possible European-specific alternatives to the alliance, and return again to the subject being forgotten in many discussions at the moment: war crimes. Later, to end the week, you’ll hear a special report from Adélie Pojzman-Pontay into Ukrainian art history and culture.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dr Mike Martin MP (Senior Visiting Fellow at The Department of War Studies, King's College London). @ThreshedThought on X.

Verity Bowman (Foreign Reporter). @VerityBowman on X.

With thanks to Tetyana Filevska (Creative Director of the Ukrainian Institute - https://ui.org.ua/), and Julia Solovey (co-founder of public organization Ukraine WOW - https://ukrainewow.org/).

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/02/21/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-china-trump/

Ukraine could get instant Nato membership if Russia breaks peace deal (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/02/20/ukraine-russia-war-donald-trump-putin-zelensky-peace-kyiv/

Ukrainian female POWs tortured and paraded naked through the snow by Russian troops (Verity Bowman's Investigation in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/ukrainian-female-pows-tortured-and-paraded-naked-by-russian/

In Private Remarks on Russia, Rubio Tries to Reassure Europeans (New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/us/politics/rubio-russia-europe.html

Russia wants to declare 'victory' over Ukraine on Feb. 24, Ukrainian intel claims (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/russia-wants-to-declare-victory-over-ukraine-on-feb-24-military-intelligence-claims/

Russia's Weakness Offers Leverage (ISW Special Report):