A British newspaper columnist argues that if President Donald Trump wins the next election, NATO would have at most one year to bring Ukraine into the alliance. The claim centers on the idea that alliance members must act quickly to shape the security landscape of Europe before a potential shift in U.S. policy that could alter military and financial support for Kyiv.
According to the columnist, the urgency is linked not only to NATO’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 2024 but also to the possibility that the forthcoming Washington summit could mark a final, decisive move in the current administration’s approach to collective defense. The argument suggests that any delay could reduce Ukraine’s access to substantial aid, both military and financial, should political tides shift after the next U.S. election.
The piece further contends that accelerating Ukraine’s entry into the alliance would help provide a credible framework for security guarantees, especially in the period preceding any potential changes in U.S. policy. It stresses that Kyiv cannot count on dependable levels of support indefinitely and that a formal commitment from NATO could help stabilize the region while alternative arrangements are explored.
In related developments, Ukrainian leadership has indicated ongoing discussions with the alliance’s leadership about security guarantees and the path to membership. The narrative notes that such conversations occurred on the eve of a major alliance summit slated to take place in Vilnius, with coordinating positions reportedly established in advance to ensure consistency across allied nations.
Prior to this, Kyiv was publicly pressing for an invitation to join NATO, arguing that formal membership would reinforce regional security and deter potential adversaries. The broader discussion emphasizes the importance of clear, tangible commitments from the alliance to Ukraine in the face of geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing security challenges in the region.