Egypt Daily News – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has laid out a comprehensive plan for achieving “victory” in front of the Ukrainian parliament, following consultations with key allies and U.S. presidential candidates.
At the core of this plan is the application for NATO membership, which has garnered significant support among Ukrainians, especially in light of Russian aggression since 2014.
Zelensky is set to participate in NATO defense ministers’ meetings in Brussels, where discussions will focus on enhancing military capabilities in response to current security challenges.
Recent surveys indicate that 84% of Ukrainians favor NATO membership, a sentiment that has strengthened following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict.
While Ukraine applied for NATO membership in September 2022, a timeline for official accession remains ambiguous, primarily hinging on the cessation of hostilities and improvements in military standards.
Critics argue that the Ukrainian military must enhance its capabilities, although there are varying opinions on its strength compared to other European forces.
An alternative model has been proposed, likening Ukraine’s potential NATO membership to that of West Germany, which would include only areas fully under Ukrainian control.
However, this model raises significant challenges regarding territorial demarcation amid ongoing fighting and legal constraints imposed by Ukraine’s martial law.
Despite official statements from NATO affirming Ukraine’s “irreversible path” to membership, actual progress may be stalled until after the upcoming U.S. presidential election, creating a climate of uncertainty.
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin views NATO’s expansion as a key factor driving the conflict, although Russia’s reactions to the accession of Finland and Sweden have been notably subdued.
Amid these geopolitics, Zelensky faces domestic challenges, as many Ukrainians remain steadfast against any territorial concessions, wanting full restoration of their national integrity.
Despite the overall strong support for NATO membership, Zelensky’s popularity has waned, creating a complex landscape as he navigates both international expectations and domestic sentiments.
As the upcoming EU summit approaches, leaders will also address critical issues beyond Ukraine, including the escalating conflict in the Middle East, humanitarian aid, and economic competitiveness among member states, while immigration concerns are likely to dominate discussions.
