Summary
Ukraine is pushing for NATO membership, proposing that only areas free from Russian occupation join initially. President Zelenskyy argues this could deter further Russian aggression and facilitate peace talks.
However, key NATO members, including Germany, oppose the idea, fearing it could escalate the conflict. France, Poland, and the Baltic states are more open to partial membership, while former NATO chief Stoltenberg supports fast-tracking the process.
NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte prioritizes arming Ukraine over membership discussions.
U.S. policy remains uncertain, especially with President-elect Trump reportedly skeptical of Ukraine’s accession.
I suppose there hasn’t been much urgency and thr goal of many members is ‘stability,’ but they are now facing a new reality where, according to historical precedent, there will be much less stability after Jan 20th, and there is new urgency to bend rules before then.