Ukraine’s ambassador to NATO recently stated that the Ukrainian government would like a formal invitation to join the alliance before President Biden leaves office in January.
But admitting Ukraine into NATO right now would mean direct war between the U.S. and Russia.
Admitting Ukraine to NATO could recklessly risk American blood and treasure while serving to escalate the existing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Article 5 of the NATO treaty contains a collective defense stipulating that an attack on one member is an attack on all members. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also repeatedly expressed that Ukraine’s entry into NATO is a “red line.”
It’s important to remember that NATO is a military alliance, not a social club. Ukraine also has to bring something to the table for the collective security of the alliance in order for their membership into the alliance to benefit other members. It is unclear what bringing Ukraine into the fold would do to bolster U.S. national security or the security of NATO allies, especially while the country is at war with a nuclear superpower.
Author
Events on Ukraine-Russia
