Ukraine’s pursuit for NATO membership’s slot has placed their Premier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a campaign tour to NATO members, in order to get a unanimous assurance for its bid.
Moreover, the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has consented to Kyiv’s pursuit to be under the umbrella of the largest military alliance. Erdogan also urged Zelenskyy to “return to peace effort” to quench the ongoing war, which has lasted for over 500 days.
In a news conference with the President Zelenskyy, Erdogan said, “there is no doubt that Ukraine deserves NATO membership,” and added Moscow and Kyiv must pursue peace talks to resolve their differences.
“A fair peace creates no losers,” the Turkish leader said. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Erdogan for the endorsement ahead of the significant NATO conference, beginning on Tuesday, June 11, in Vilnius, Lithuania.
“I am grateful for the support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Peace formula. Protection of our countries, our people and our interests,” the Ukrainian leader posted on his social media page regarding his talks with Erdogan.
The warring Ukrainian premier began his NATO membership campaign, few weeks after Moscow began its incursion in his country. Zelenskyy has advised that, Kyiv joining NATO, would be Europe’s final line in defense against Moscow’s intimidation and aggression.
Ahead of the NATO’s annual general summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, Zelenskyy began his campaign last week, by making a diplomatic visit to Prague, Czech Republic, and received an assurance from the Czech republican leader of its consent to Kyiv membership plea.
In Sofia, Bulgaria, he also gained the acceptance of the country to its membership bid “as soon as conditions allow.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also reiterated his belief that Ukraine will join the alliance.
The timetable for Ukraine’s admission is yet unknown, however, the United States dimmed Ukraine’s aspirations of joining the alliance very soon, asserting that this week the Vilnius conference won’t end in a formal request to join NATO.
Also, the United States National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan explained that, the Vilnius summit “will be an important moment on that pathway towards membership,” however, the facts are that, Ukraine requires to accomplish “further steps before membership in NATO.”
Notwithstanding, the issue of Ukraine joining NATO as well as its conditions, has been discussed by NATO members, though Germany and other members are adamant that, specific benchmarks must be achieved, including civilian and constitutional oversight of the military.
Moreover, there is still no word on what Ukraine will receive at the conference in the capital of Lithuania. Zelenskyy has also admitted that, Kyiv will probably fail to be allowed to officially join NATO, while the war with Russia persist.
Moscow Is Alert
Zelenskyy’s recent tours has put the Kremlin on high alert, monitoring the outcomes of his visits. In the past years, Russia has invested much efforts to settle its diplomatic entanglements, by forging ties with Erdogan, leader of Turkey.
Since the commencement of the war in Ukraine, Ankara has presented itself as mediator between the two warring nations. However, Turkey has played both sides of the countries by supplying combat drones to Kyiv, which aided Ukraine’s defense against the fall of Kyiv, in the early stage of the war, and also Ankara has increased its diplomatic trade with Russia.
Erdogan’s talks with Ukraine and his consent to Kyiv’s NATO membership bid, may draw some sought of anger from the Kremlin, due to Ankara’s long-standing appeal for Moscow and Kyiv to return to the negotiating table.
Erdogan announced that Putin will visit Turkey the next month, and that he and the Russian leader would talk about potential prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, something Erdogan has previously assisted in arranging.
In case Ukraine decides to ally with NATO, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to take certain measures.
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