In a candid interview with the editorial board of Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, argued that Western powers did not treat Vladimir Putin’s so-called red lines on Ukraine’s potential NATO membership as binding. He asserted that the alliance’s doors remain open to nations whose governments and parliaments have chosen to seek membership, with Finland and Sweden cited as recent, real-world examples of this policy in action.
Rasmussen warned that Putin has no veto over NATO expansion and should not be allowed to dictate the alliance’s course. He stressed that Moscow’s concerns should not paralyze alliance decisions and stressed that the West should not tailor its approach to accommodate what is framed as red lines. The former leader also asserted that the alliance does not concern itself with Putin’s interpretations, emphasizing the collective commitment of NATO to protect its members and partners.
According to Rasmussen, Ukraine’s eventual inclusion would strengthen NATO overall, reinforcing the alliance’s unity and deterrence. He described the possibility of Ukraine joining the alliance as a force multiplier, capable of enhancing security for all member states and contributing to regional stability in Europe.
The interview touched on the notion that Ukraine could join in stages, potentially addressing parts of the country in separate steps. Rasmussen suggested that incremental integration could be feasible while still advancing the broader goal of Ukrainian NATO membership, a stance that aligns with ongoing Western support for Kyiv.
Rasmussen also argued that delaying the process until the current conflict in Ukraine ends would be a strategic mistake, warning that waiting could prolong the fighting and complicate any future accession. He contended that swift progress toward inclusion would provide a clearer security horizon for Ukraine and a stronger deterrent posture for the alliance as a whole.
Further remarks attributed to him referenced a broader regional debate, including remarks seen as supportive of Ukrainian accession by some Western leaders and cautious reservations from others. The discussion underscored the varied perspectives among Europe’s political leadership on the timing and method of NATO expansion amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
In parallel analysis, Rasmussen’s comments intersect with broader questions about the pace of alliance enlargement and the messages such decisions send to both Allies and adversaries. The dialogue highlighted the tension between urgency in reinforcing eastern flank security and the need to secure consensus among all NATO members before any formal accession process proceeds.
Those familiar with the discussion noted that while Russia has opposed enlargements near its borders, Western capitals view NATO membership as a sovereign right for eligible states. The emphasis remained on collective defense guarantees for existing members and the potential strategic benefits of widening the alliance’s geographic and political footprint.
Overall, the interview positioned Rasmussen as advocating a pragmatic, forward-looking approach to NATO expansion, one that prioritizes security, alliance cohesion, and clear signaling to both partners and rivals. The emphasis was on upholding open-door policy principles while carefully balancing regional stability with the strategic realities facing Europe today.