In Brussels tomorrow NATO foreign-ministers plan to meet but Ukraineʼs wish for membership wont get much traction. The alliance (which now has 32 members) doesnt see eye-to-eye on this super-important choice
Andrii Sybiha sent a well-thought letter to other ministers; his main point being that joining NATO would stop Russia from using prevention of membership as war reason. However diplomats who dont want their names known say theres no way everyone will agree now: “Getting everyone on board takes time — maybe months“ one high-up NATO person explained
The US is putting its mind on different things; they want to make Ukraine stronger for next year. Antony Blinken just announced a big-time support package worth $725M which shows where priorities are at. The focus is clear: give money weapons and help right now
Volodymyr Zelenskiy talked to Sky News about putting safe areas under NATO protection but thats not simple either. Ukraineʼs having a rough time this winter — Russians are moving forward in east parts and hitting power-stations all over. While NATO says Ukraine will join some day; nobody knows when thatʼll happen
- Hungary says no way to membership
- Germany thinks timing isnt right
- US leadership change makes things complex
The whole thing gets more tricky with US politics in play. Recent talks between top security people happened but nobody knows if old and new teams will work the same way on Ukraine stuff