Ukraine pushes for NATO membership as Trump’s return looms

Ukraine has reiterated its demand for NATO membership, calling it the only “real guarantee” of security against Russian aggression, as the alliance’s foreign ministers meet in Brussels.

The push comes amid uncertainty over U.S. policy ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as president in January.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has tied Kyiv’s willingness to engage in peace talks to securing Western security guarantees and critical weaponry.

“We are convinced that the only real guarantee of security for Ukraine, as well as a deterrent to further Russian aggression against Ukraine and other states, is Ukraine’s full membership in NATO, ”the Ukrainian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Despite Kyiv’s plea, NATO appears unlikely to extend a membership invitation soon.

Secretary-General, Mark Rutte stated that the alliance’s priority remains supplying arms to Ukraine rather than debating its membership.

“I would now argue that Ukraine doesn’t need more ideas on what a peace process could look like.

“Make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to get to a position of strength when those peace talks start,” Rutte said.

The leaders of NATO’s major players, including the United States and Germany, have long resisted Ukraine’s membership bid, citing fears of escalating the war with Russia.

Diplomatic sources indicate little change in this stance, even as Ukraine seeks concessions from the outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration.

The urgency of Ukraine’s diplomatic push stems from Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House. Trump has promised to broker a quick end to the war but has provided no specifics.

His campaign rhetoric has sparked concern in Kyiv, as well as among NATO allies, about the potential for reduced U.S. military aid and pressure on Ukraine to settle for unfavourable terms.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, calling it “unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s new envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has hinted that shelving NATO membership could be part of a peace deal, coupled with alternative security guarantees.

The Biden administration announced another $725 million military aid package for Ukraine on Monday, including advanced air defence systems.

Kyiv is pressing for even more sophisticated defences, such as the American THAAD and Israeli-American Arrow systems, though U.S. officials are reportedly reluctant to commit to these high-tech solutions.

European nations are reportedly considering deploying troops to enforce any future ceasefire agreements. “We need to have a clear plan to present to the incoming U.S. administration,” a European diplomat said.

As Ukraine continues its diplomatic and military struggle, Russian forces have claimed gains in southeastern Ukraine, while Kyiv reports repelling attacks elsewhere.

NATO’s foreign ministers are expected to conclude their Brussels meeting without issuing a membership invitation for Ukraine, leaving Kyiv’s security aspirations in limbo as the war grinds on.