In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, President Joe Biden expressed his belief that it is “premature” to consider Ukraine’s membership in NATO while the war with Russia continues. As President Biden embarks on his trip to Europe, which includes attending a NATO summit in Lithuania, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains a pressing concern.
President Biden emphasized that there is a lack of unanimity within NATO regarding Ukraine’s immediate inclusion in the alliance. He underscored the importance of establishing a peace agreement with Russia before initiating the process of Ukraine joining NATO. According to the President, if the war persists, it implies that all NATO member countries are engaged in a state of war with Russia, which further complicates the path to membership. Additionally, President Biden highlighted that certain prerequisites, including the democratization of Ukraine, must be met for the country to be considered eligible for NATO membership.
During his interview, President Biden addressed the recent decision by the United States to provide Ukraine with weapons, including cluster munitions that are banned by many U.S. allies. He acknowledged that the decision was difficult but explained that it was necessary to prevent Ukraine from being defenseless. President Biden disclosed that he had discussed this matter with U.S. allies and congressional representatives, emphasizing that the supply of ammunition was crucial due to Ukraine’s dwindling artillery supplies.
At the upcoming NATO summit in Lithuania, discussions surrounding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine will be at the forefront. The United States’ decision to provide Ukraine with banned weaponry has drawn attention and sparked debates among NATO members. One of the key topics to be discussed is Sweden’s interest in joining the alliance. President Biden expressed optimism regarding Sweden’s potential accession, despite opposition from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Notably, President Erdogan supports Ukraine’s NATO membership and stated during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that “Ukraine deserves NATO membership with no doubt.”
In a recent phone call between President Biden and President Erdogan, the desire to expedite Sweden’s entry into NATO was conveyed. The White House’s readout of the conversation highlighted the leaders’ shared commitment to continue supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
As President Biden’s European trip commences, the question of Ukraine’s NATO membership remains a complex and contentious issue. With President Biden emphasizing the need for a peace agreement with Russia and the fulfillment of additional requirements for Ukraine’s eligibility, the path to NATO membership for Ukraine appears uncertain. The NATO summit will serve as a platform for crucial discussions surrounding the conflict and the potential inclusion of Sweden in the alliance, as leaders aim to address the ongoing crisis and reinforce their commitment to supporting Ukraine.
