[…] After the failure of Ukraine’s counteroffensive in 2023, recognition that its forces cannot regain more of its territory has begun to sink in. Indeed, despite the flow of heavy Western aid, Kyiv may struggle to hold what it has — a circumstance that suggests it should start exploring negotiations with Moscow to end or even freeze the conflict via an armistice now, before the battlefield situation worsens and negotiating room shrinks.
But instead, Washington and European capitals are, unfortunately, doubling down — at least rhetorically — continuing to claim Ukraine will someday join NATO. In fact, after promoting a vague “bridge” to Ukraine’s eventual membership before the summit, during the gathering NATO leaders claimed Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” to entry.
In recent weeks, the U.S. also signed a 10-year security pact with Kyiv, and approved the use of U.S. weapons by Ukrainian forces on targets inside the Russian Federation. Meanwhile, seconded by leaders in the Baltics, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested NATO ground troops be sent to Ukraine, while U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff implied that the deployment of NATO trainers to Ukraine is inevitable.
But as we’ve argued previously, it would be foolish to admit Ukraine to NATO — now or ever. Läs artikel