NATO Summit in July: No Invitation for Ukraine, Says US State Department

NATO will not extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance at its upcoming July summit in Washington, according to a recent announcement from the US State Department. Despite mounting pressure from transatlantic leaders and officials to expedite Ukraine's membership, the decision underscores ongoing hesitations within the alliance.

Why this matters: The decision not to invite Ukraine to join NATO has significant implications for transatlantic security and the balance of power in Eastern Europe. This could embolden Russian aggression and undermine the stability of the region.

The decision comes amid increasing calls from figures such as former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak, who have both emphasized the urgency of accelerating military support and securing NATO membership for Ukraine. Rasmussen has been vocal about the consequences of delay, stating, 'The damage done by our hesitancy can be counted in Ukrainian lives.'

At a recent Atlantic Council event, Rasmussen and Yermak led discussions on recommendations for NATO's approach to Ukraine at the upcoming summit. The event, held on May 22, 2024, highlighted the need for NATO to move beyond bureaucratic delays and take decisive action. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell echoed this sentiment, urging the alliance to 'move at the speed of relevance, not the speed of bureaucracy.'

The reluctance to invite Ukraine has significant implications for transatlantic security. Yermak pointed out that NATO's security framework remains incomplete without Ukraine, metaphorically describing it as a puzzle with a missing piece. 'Transatlantic security is kind of a puzzle. It can never be perfect when some piece is missing. Today, the piece is Ukraine,' Yermak asserted.

NATO's open-door policy, established in 1949, has historically been a cornerstone in deterring aggression and maintaining peace. The alliance has grown from 12 to 32 member countries, with Finland and Sweden being the most recent additions. However, the absence of a clear timetable for Ukraine's accession could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambitions.

Historical precedents underscore the potential consequences of inaction. The 2008 Bucharest summit's decision to shelve Ukraine and Georgia's membership aspirations was followed by Russia's invasion of Georgia later that year. Similarly, the international community's muted response to Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea set the stage for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

As NATO prepares for its July 2024 summit, the alliance faces a critical juncture. The decision to not invite Ukraine highlights the complexities and geopolitical calculations at play. Whether this approach will ultimately safeguard or undermine transatlantic security remains to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• NATO won't invite Ukraine to join at its July 2024 summit.
• Decision may embolden Russian aggression and undermine regional stability.
• Transatlantic leaders urge NATO to accelerate support and membership for Ukraine.
• NATO's open-door policy has historically deterred aggression and maintained peace.
• Inaction may have severe consequences, as seen in past Russian invasions.