The North Atlantic Treaty Organization an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 member states – 28 European and two North American. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Ukrainian government repeatedly requested to be accepted into NATO as a member country. Ukraine’s NATO membership has long been a thorny subject in amongst U.S. government officials due to Article 5 of the alliance’s charter. Article 5 requires the U.S. to militarily defend any member-nation that comes under attack. NATO members countries fear that Ukraine’s immediate entry into NATO — which requires the unanimous approval of all 30 member-nations — would put the U.S. and Russia at war due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine as well as its forced annexations announced in September 2022.
Narrow down the conversation to these participants:
Political party:
Political party:
@ISIDEWITH3yrs3Y
Yes
@9GX4SWZ1yr1Y
NATO is historically designed to protect from Soviet advancement into democratic territories. The Soviet Union may be no more but Russia is behaving like a dictatorship that wants more territory. Ukraine have paid the price of this and deserve greater protection from this happening in the future.
We are already helping them out but if we had a treaty in place offering more than just financial aid and supplies Putin would never have tried this to begin with.
@9GKBNM91yr1Y
A counter-argument to the "Yes" position on Ukraine joining NATO is that Ukraine should not become a NATO member at this time. One concern is that Ukraine's accession to the alliance could further escalate geopolitical tensions between NATO member countries and Russia, potentially increasing the risk of military conflict in the region. Given the complex historical background of Ukraine's relationship with Russia, NATO membership might be perceived as provocative by Moscow, potentially hindering diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts in Eastern Ukraine. There is… Read more
@9FXBYWY1yr1Y
It would create a higher risk of more countries being dragged into the Russia-Ukraine war which could eventually lead to a world war.
@ISIDEWITH3yrs3Y
No
@9LS25J29mos9MO
We have a responsibility to defend democracy, especially against expansionist authoritarian countries.
@9FZC7931yr1Y
It's the defense of a democratic nation, and nations deserve to be sovereign. Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for it's freedom from Russia. We are not wasting any NATO lives whilst crippling the ability of Europe's greatest enemy.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
No, this should be decided after the current war ends so we avoid a third world war
@9GX4SWZ1yr1Y
There's nothing to stop Russia from trying again after this war. They invaded Crimea and Georgia in previous years, we need to stand strong against them and send a clear message of that strength.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Yes, but after the war ends
@9SLFVD85mos5MO
Yes, on the condition that other members do not have to directly intervene into the current war, only conflicts comencing after the current war ends.
@9QK3D9N6mos6MO
They are an independent country and it should their own decision whether they wish to or not, without threat or coercion from any other nation.
@9Q953CS6mos6MO
If Ukraine, via its democratic leaders, choose to join then they should be allowed to. If the populous is against such a move, then they shouldn't.
@9Q7MP7J6mos6MO
Ideally yes they should be able to join NATO, however, they should hold off on this decision as it has influenced Russia's decision to invade Ukraine.
@9PKCN9Q7mos7MO
NO! The US and allies promised NOT to expand NATO eastwards and they have done the exact opposite in the face of Mr Putin!! They are to blame for the current situation!!
@9PK9J6D7mos7MO
No ,countries bordeing Russia should neither be allowed to join NATO nor a military alliance with Russia, they should remian militarily neutral to avoid escalating tensions.
@9NZCPGQ7mos7MO
This is a decision for Ukraine but if they chose to apply for membership they should have UK support
@9NYTYQ8 7mos7MO
Yes, but possibly after the conflict with Russia. I feel that they have the right to join, but I’m obviously concerned it would escalate problems with Russia.
@9NLKPW97mos7MO
This should be based on the potential geopolitical issues that may be caused. The expansion of NATO could result in a world war if not managed correctly.
No, Russia have always maintained alliance borders whilst NATO have expanded to borders of them causing Russia to act aggressively
@9SBTMJP5mos5MO
Yes, and provide incentives to Ukraine to stop the war, but make Ukraine join after the current war ends and there is a permanent ceasefire in this war.
@9QM8YX96mos6MO
Yes, assuming there’s popular support in Ukraine, and once the country is stabilised and can show a trajectory of reducing corruption etc.
@9PXSVDS7mos7MO
Yes but only if non Ukrainian Nato forces are not based in Ukraine. Also if there is a large de militarized zone between Ukraine and Russia/Belarus
@9PWDD5L 7mos7MO
No as this will only provoke Russia and its allies. Keep Ukraine as a close ally and firther relationships with other agreements but keep them from officially joining as to not aggregate Russia further
@9PP8YJ47mos7MO
Yes, however, Ukraine needs to understand that a conclusion must be met in order for them to join and they have too much corruption.
@9PMFXWJ7mos7MO
Yes, after the current Russian invasion is over, and if they democratically ask for it and meet the required criteria.
No, this only escalates the situation. We should be working to build a working relationship with Russia.
@9PHFYNW7mos7MO
Yes, but only after the current war ends to minimise escalation, with the proviso that Ukraine should continue to receive robust support from NATO in the meantime
Long term yes, but they should not be able to bypass the rules that determine the right to join for all other countries
@9P6LYBDConservative7mos7MO
The point of organisations like NATO is to stop conflict and keep the peace. Ukraine should have joined NATO before they were attacked by Russia. Allowing Ukraine to join NATO now or after the end of the war will only cause more tensions between NATO and Russia. Putin is wasting a lot of Russian lives. This will only stop once he and the top leadership of Russia are out of the picture
@9NXHSGB7mos7MO
That's up to Ukraine, but if they do apply NATO members need to be aware of how logistically difficult it would be to defend them in the event of another war.
Yes, but only once the conflict is over, we are already helping with funds and equipment, we can’t start sending our boys and girls too at this moment
@9NS7VWY7mos7MO
The protection of Ukraine is vital to countering Russia in its expansion into Europe and former members of the Soviet Union/Warsaw Pact. Countries are not able to join NATO if they have current on going border crises. Ukraine has one in the East of Ukraine. Only after this has been resolved should Ukraine be allowed into NATO.
We should be aware of Russia's red line.Let them join the EU BUT stipulate that any future aggression will automatically be treated as a trigger and Ukraine will be seen as a NATO country
@9NCKPCD7mos7MO
Yes, but only when the current war is over, otherwise NATO is actively choosing to join a current war, which is not why it was set up.
@9MV4ZHL8mos8MO
Yes, but only if Ukraine can demonstrate that they can control their levels of corruption within their government
@9LDRMDW9mos9MO
It's none of our business what Ukraine does after the war and we should leave NATO and let Ukraine decide for itself.
@9L93RJ99mos9MO
I do believe that if America gets involved, there would be a higher chance at a World War 3, but I don't believe that Russia should be allowed to invade other countries with no consequence. Therefore, I do think that the UK and other NATO countries should work an arrangement between Russia and Ukraine.
@9JXTWTC11mos11MO
At the moment is not the correct time. Ukraine is still engaged in a conflict with Russia and there's still concerns over corruption within the Ukrainian government.
@9HTKK9V1yr1Y
Yes. The more countries in NATO the better. But in saying that, it should be democratic nations only.
Yes, as soon as it is possible for them to do so without creating a far larger war, and in the meantime NATO should work to lend as much aid to Ukraine as they can.
@9G85KTD1yr1Y
After discussing with the russians, depends on what terms russians agree one, UK shoulnt risk tension and war with russia just for a corrupt and country poorer that africa to join NATO
@9G5MCLJ1yr1Y
No, there is too much corruption in Ukraine, this should be decided after the current war ends. This won't immediately escalate into a third world war, but it would certainly increase tensions and hostilities
@9FP55MQ1yr1Y
Yes but only once the war has finished
@9FJZKQC1yr1Y
This is largely up to NATO and Ukraine. I see little value and great danger with each side strengthening and opposing
@9FGB9NF1yr1Y
Yes, if they want to and a majority of NATO member states agree
@9F62XQQ1yr1Y
Yes, but not whilst they are at war
Not without inviting Russia to join. Ukraine would not be at war if it wasn't for NATO
@9DW4LKH1yr1Y
If Ukraine wasnt authoritarian. Zelensky jails opposition.
@9DD9MVR1yr1Y
Yes, but not until the war with Russia is over.
@9D587MY1yr1Y
Yes but after Vladimir Putin is disposed of and long after the war
@9D579WW1yr1Y
Provided it has the requirements
Yes, but after the conflict with Russia has been resolved
@9D3WWPD1yr1Y
This should be decided after the current war ends so we avoid world war three
@967HCDV2yrs2Y
They should join NATO but we should not get involved in the current conflict to protect against WW3.
@95WJBG92yrs2Y
No, as it will increase tension with Russia
@9MZJ53F8mos8MO
I don’t personally feel that anyone other than Ukrainians should answer this question as it is their country
@95CKJNW2yrs2Y
This is a decision for Ukraine.
@93NJZBC3yrs3Y
Yes, but only after the end of the war.
@9BN7DLT2yrs2Y
Yes, but only once the current war is concluded
@9B39SCV2yrs2Y
Yes, but only after the current Russia-Ukraine war ends.
It depends on what Ukraine wants
@9BRYN5V2yrs2Y
There should be a boarder between NATO and Russia. Those countries who have joined and broken that boarder should be removed.
@96JK6WS2yrs2Y
Yes, but only after the conflict with Russia has ended.
@96JDRL22yrs2Y
This is a decision for the people of Ukraine
Yes, and they should join the EU
@96BPDSW2yrs2Y
That’s their decision to make.
@969CBTR2yrs2Y
Not currently as Russia is not happy with this idea.
@967W4732yrs2Y
They should be allowed to join NATO if they chose to, they are an independent country
@9676FSL2yrs2Y
Whoever wants to join the NATO should be allowed to join and whoever wants to leave the NATO should be allowed to leave
@95YLM8H2yrs2Y
Yes, but only if their citizens choose to do so
@95WK2YJ2yrs2Y
Yes, once the current conflict is concluded
That would be upto Ukraine to decide
@95NMVQ32yrs2Y
Yes but the focus of NATO should be counter terrorism and avoiding war
@95MDBRY2yrs2Y
Yes, but after the war is over
@95KK3SJ2yrs2Y
They should have a vote when it's next possible and NATO should provide support where possible.
No as it will start World War III
@94T5Y252yrs2Y
Yes, but on the condition that they adhere to human rights policies internally.
@94NDMQT2yrs2Y
If Ukraine wishes to join. It's a decision for the people of the country.
@94GVNKT2yrs2Y
If they want to then they should. If they don't want to then they shouldn't. They should not be forced either way.
@94DJM3F2yrs2Y
It is up to the people of Ukraine
@944YHK92yrs2Y
Yes, but NATO should be reformed
@94223ZB2yrs2Y
The Ukraine should be allowed to join NATO if they choose.
@93ZLR7NConservative2yrs2Y
No, but only if Russia and Ukraine strike a deal not to ever attack each other
@93YYZ2P2yrs2Y
If the people of Ukraine want this.
@93YRMJ22yrs2Y
Ukraine doesn't have to join NATO but as long it is safe from any military occupation from either sides and is left alone, then all is well
@93YQHSG2yrs2Y
No, because it could cause a nucleur War
@93XJQSF2yrs2Y
if they want to and if they meet the criteria that other existing countries have agreed to
@93WS4932yrs2Y
@93WG3V52yrs2Y
No, this will only lead to more hostilities the Russians already feel their backs are against the wall
@93W2239Libertarian2yrs2Y
should be decided by ukraine
@93VGXT32yrs2Y
Yes and I would encourage any democratic nation to join NATO
@93V6RQ3Liberal Democrat2yrs2Y
No, Ukraine joining NATO - especially given the current situation there - will start WWIII, however, some form of defence cooperation agreement should be made up and it should still join the EU
@93V57P72yrs2Y
No, not until war with Russia is resolved
Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion
Loading data...
Join in on more popular conversations.
