The US and Germany are reluctant to accept Ukraine into NATO despite fears of Kiev’s military collapse under Russian pressure, Officials within the US-led bloc fear that such a move could escalate into the largest land war in Europe since 1945, prompting NATO to seek a more cautious “middle ground” approach.
Berlin and Washington are reportedly opposed to initiating membership talks with Ukraine at NATO’s summit in Washington in July. However, they advocate for providing long-term security assistance commitments to Ukraine instead. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has urged member states to prioritize offering Ukraine “reliable and predictable security assistance” over voluntary donations. Stoltenberg has proposed a comprehensive five-year €100 billion ($107 billion) military aid package to Kiev, which would also entail the bloc assuming greater responsibility, rather than solely relying on the US, in coordinating assistance.
Despite these proposals, Western diplomats suggest that implementing such a plan remains challenging. There are concerns that Washington tacitly opposes reducing its role in coordinating assistance, and Hungary, another NATO member, has publicly voiced opposition to moves that could increase the bloc’s involvement in the conflict. Additionally, it is unclear how NATO could compel members to contribute to the €100 billion package over an extended period.
However, the report indicates that these challenges may become irrelevant if Russia continues to push back against Kiev’s troops. Recent developments include Russia reclaiming the key city of Avdeevka in the Donbass region and capturing several nearby settlements. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky warned last month that further retreats are likely unless the US renews its military assistance. However, an aid package has been stalled in the US Congress due to Republican opposition, with demands for increased efforts to enhance border security.
Russia has criticized Western arms shipments to Kiev, arguing that they will only prolong the conflict. Moscow officials have also accused the West of using Ukraine as a tool to inflict “a strategic defeat” on Russia.
SOURCE: RT
