As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine surpasses the 500-day mark, US President Joe Biden expressed his belief that Ukraine is not currently prepared for membership in NATO. Speaking ahead of the military alliance’s summit in Vilnius, Biden cautioned against a premature vote on Ukraine’s inclusion. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced his support for Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations during talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In an interview with CNN, Biden remarked, “I don’t think it’s ready for membership in NATO,” according to a partial transcript of the conversation. Erdogan, however, countered this view by stating that Ukraine deserves to be part of NATO, echoing Zelensky’s plea for a clear signal of inclusion rather than mere open-door policy. Zelensky has been actively seeking support from NATO member countries ahead of the summit, where reaffirmation of Ukraine’s future membership is anticipated.
Despite differing opinions within the international community, Biden shed light on the United States’ decision to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions for the first time. Recognizing the difficulty of the choice, Biden emphasized the necessity of aiding Kyiv in its counteroffensive against Russia, as Ukraine is running critically low on ammunition.
“It was a very difficult decision on my part. And by the way, I discussed this with our allies, I discussed this with our friends up on the Hill. The Ukrainians are running out of ammunition,” Biden explained.
The White House officially announced the president’s approval of the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Biden’s decision comes after careful consultation with allies and discussions with lawmakers. The move aims to provide necessary support to Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Amidst ongoing tensions and the protracted conflict, Biden’s stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership reflects the complexities surrounding the situation. While Turkey stands in support of Ukraine’s aspirations, Biden’s caution highlights the need for further progress and readiness on Ukraine’s part before formal NATO membership can be considered.
As the world closely watches the developments in Ukraine and the upcoming NATO summit, the question of Ukraine’s inclusion remains a significant point of discussion. The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges and delicate considerations involved in shaping regional security alliances and responding to aggressive actions by foreign powers.
The international community continues to navigate the complexities of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, seeking a path toward a peaceful resolution and stability in the region, while Ukraine’s struggle for self-defense and aspirations for NATO membership remain at the forefront of the global stage.
Sources By Agencies