Today, Explained NATO to Ukraine: Not yet
Jul 11, 2023
Felicia Schwartz, a U.S. foreign affairs correspondent, discusses the tensions around NATO's support for Ukraine amidst its war with Russia. Matthew Akins shares his insights on the controversial decision to send cluster munitions to the frontlines, drawing from his experiences in conflict zones. They dive into Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership, the complexities of military aid, and the moral implications of using such weapons, sparking a dialogue about civilian safety and international responsibility in modern warfare.
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Ukraine and NATO
- Ukraine desires NATO membership for protection against Russia, particularly given Russia's stance on Ukraine's sovereignty.
- NATO membership is seen as a deterrent, offering the protection of the U.S. and its allies' nuclear umbrella.
Budapest Memorandum
- Ukraine's desire for NATO membership stems from a perceived lack of deterrent against Russia after giving up nuclear weapons.
- The Budapest Memorandum, promising protection, proved insufficient in deterring Russian aggression in Crimea and later full-scale invasion.
Pre-War NATO Stance
- Before the war, NATO's open-door policy meant Ukraine could join with unanimous consent, but Russia saw this as a red line.
- The U.S. acknowledges Ukraine's aspirations but emphasizes the need for democratic and governance reforms before membership.
