목차
- Ukraine’s Long Road to NATO
- The Revised Peace Plan’s Key Points
- Constitutional Shift: What It Means
- NATO’s Reaction and Ongoing Support
- Security Guarantees and Military Limits
- What’s Next for Ukraine’s NATO Aspirations?
Ukraine’s Long Road to NATO
For years, Ukraine has worked hard to join NATO. After Russia’s invasion in 2014 and again in 2022, Kyiv made NATO membership a top priority. The country’s constitution was changed to reflect this goal, and Ukraine began adopting NATO standards for its military and government.
NATO has repeatedly said Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” to membership. But no official invitation has been given, mainly because of the ongoing war and concerns about escalation.
Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership is not just about security—it’s about sovereignty and the right to choose its own alliances.
The Revised Peace Plan’s Key Points
The latest peace proposal has sparked debate. One of its most controversial points is that Ukraine must change its constitution to say it will not join NATO. This is a major shift from the country’s current stance.
The plan also says NATO must agree not to admit Ukraine in the future. This would block any possibility of membership, at least for now. The proposal is seen as a way to reduce tensions with Russia, but it has been met with strong criticism from Ukraine and its Western allies.
Constitutional Shift: What It Means
If Ukraine agrees to this plan, it would have to rewrite its constitution. This would remove the country’s official commitment to NATO membership. Such a change would be symbolic and practical, signaling to the world that Ukraine is giving up on its Euro-Atlantic ambitions—for now.
Many Ukrainians see this as a betrayal of their country’s future. The constitution is not just a legal document; it represents the nation’s hopes and values.
NATO’s Reaction and Ongoing Support
NATO has not accepted the peace plan. The alliance continues to support Ukraine’s path to membership, even if the process is slow. The NATO-Ukraine Council was created to strengthen ties, and Ukraine now sits as an equal participant in this body.
NATO leaders have said they will support Ukraine’s reforms and help with post-war reconstruction. The alliance is also investing in its own defense, with a goal of spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035.
NATO’s support for Ukraine remains strong, but the path to membership is still uncertain.
Security Guarantees and Military Limits
The peace plan also limits the size of Ukraine’s army to 600,000 soldiers. It bans NATO forces from being stationed in Ukraine, which would reduce Kyiv’s ability to defend itself.
While the plan promises security guarantees from Western allies, the details are vague. It’s unclear how these guarantees would work in practice, or how they would stop Russia from invading again.
What’s Next for Ukraine’s NATO Aspirations?
The revised peace plan has put Ukraine’s NATO dreams on hold. For now, the country must focus on survival and rebuilding. But the desire for NATO membership remains strong among Ukrainians.
The situation could change if the war ends and Ukraine’s borders are secure. Until then, the country will continue to work with NATO and its allies, hoping for a future where membership is possible again.
Ukraine’s journey to NATO is far from over, but the road ahead is more uncertain than ever.