Ukrainian FM Kuleba seeks NATO membership backing
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Urges Germany to Support NATO Membership
Dmitro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, has called on Germany to avoid repeating the “mistake” made by former Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2008. At the NATO Leaders’ Summit held in Bucharest, Merkel opposed Ukraine’s membership, inadvertently allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene in Georgia and annex Crimea. Kuleba fears that if Ukraine remains outside of NATO, the possibility of war will persist.
In an interview with German newspapers Die Welt, Bild, and Politico, Kuleba stressed that accepting Ukraine into NATO is the only effective way to prevent further acts of Russian aggression against Europe and the Euro-Atlantic region as a whole. He firmly believes that by granting membership, the doors to peace will open.
Addressing concerns of another conflict with Russia, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister reassured that Russia would not dare to attack a NATO member such as Ukraine. He emphasized that NATO membership would bring stability and security to his country, acting as a deterrent against any potential acts of aggression.
Furthermore, Kuleba highlighted the positive impact of Ukraine’s inclusion in NATO on the burden-sharing among member states. He expressed readiness on behalf of Ukraine to shoulder part of the responsibility in defending NATO’s eastern flank, consequently relieving Germany and other Western countries.
The Ukrainian government sees NATO membership as a pivotal step in ensuring the long-term security and stability of their nation. Kuleba’s appeals to Germany, as a key player within NATO, aim to garner support and reinforce the urgency of Ukraine’s bid for membership.
As discussions surrounding Ukraine’s integration into NATO progress, the international community awaits Germany’s response and its potential impact on Ukraine’s future.
