RUSSIA has declared war on Ukraine and has begun invading its eastern territories amid a slew of ongoing disputes.
One key source of the friction has been Ukraine’s desire to join Nato – something President Vladimir Putin strongly opposes.
Ukraine is considered an aspiring Nato member[/caption]
Why is Ukraine not in Nato?
Nato first floated the idea of Ukrainian and Georgian membership in 2008 under pressure from American President George W. Bush.
However, France and Germany opposed – unanimous consent is required for any nations wishing to join Nato.
As of today (February 25, 2022) the three countries – including Ukraine – are considered “aspiring members.”
This status is afforded to non-member nations that have “made significant contributions to Nato-led operations and missions”, such as Australia and Sweden.
However, continued Ukrainian instability – including its proximity to war-hungry Russia – makes it unlikely that their request to join the organisation will be accepted anytime soon.
As it stands, their non membership means that, amid invasion, Nato’s support is limited. This is despite the unanimous backing of the west – including the UK.
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Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated his vehement opposition to a Nato expansion.
Russia sees the Ukraine as highly strategic as it tries to hang on to its “sphere of influence” with countries on its Western borders after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
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The president has previously issued threats to Ukraine – which included invasion – unless the state promised not to join Nato.
Putin’s also called for a formal veto on it ever becoming a member.
Who is a Nato country?
Nato was founded after World War II, mainly to block Soviet expansion into Europe.
It was formed with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949 by 12 member states
Since then, it has expanded to 30 member states.
The list of countries, along with when they joined, in full:
- Albania (2009)
- Belgium (1949)
- Bulgaria (2004)
- Canada (1949)
- Croatia (2009)
- Czech Republic (1999)
- Denmark (1949)
- Estonia (2004)
- France (1949)
- Germany (1955)
- Greece (1952)
- Hungary (1999)
- Iceland (1949)
- Italy (1949)
- Latvia (2004)
- Lithuania (2004)
- Luxembourg (1949)
- Montenegro (2017)
- Netherlands (1949)
- Norway (1949)
- North Macedonia (2020)
- Poland (1999)
- Portugal (1949)
- Romania (2004)
- Slovakia (2004)
- Slovenia (2004)
- Spain (1982)
- Turkey (1952)
- United Kingdom (1949)
- United States (1949)
Source: Why is Ukraine not in Nato?
Category: News, World News, Explainers, NATO
