President Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky declared his country void from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Among the reasons for this is that the conditions are difficult apart from having to face the threat of invasion from Russia.
One of the conditions is a referendum by the Ukrainian people and the approval of all NATO members.
“I believe such issues (becoming a member of NATO) should be decided through a referendum,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was quoted as saying by Russia Today News, Thursday (17/2).
However, given the ongoing conflict on the Ukrainian border, it will be difficult to hold a referendum.
In addition, the results of the referendum must be written in the Ukrainian constitution if the majority of the people want to join NATO.
Russia continues to press for Ukraine not to join NATO, one of which is the deployment of troops on the border of the region. Some have called this move a success.
The other day, the ambassador of Kiev in London, Vadym Prystaiko, indicated that Ukraine could consider canceling its offer to join the bloc if a conflict with Russia could be avoided.
“We probably, you know, especially (who) are threatened like that, blackmailed by it, and pushed there. (Ukraine) is trying to find the best way out, even if making serious concessions,” said Prystaiko, Sunday (13/2) .
Shortly after, he withdrew the statement. Prystaiko realized the suggestion for Ukraine to stop trying to become a member of NATO was wrong.
In addition, another requirement is to have the approval of all NATO members.
However, Zelensky said there are alliance members who support Russia, making it even more difficult for Kiev to move.
“We as a country want to join NATO and have been trying for years. But the process has stalled,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was quoted as saying Thursday (17/2). AFP.
He later said, “There are related causes and consequences. It is not only Russia that rejects Ukraine’s accession (to NATO).”
Zelensky did not specify which countries supported Moscow. He just hoped they would change their minds.
“We’re not going through this with these countries, and don’t want to pose any risk or diplomatic conflict.”
Ukraine looks so eager to join the US-led military alliance.
In 2019, Ukraine promulgated a constitution which stated that becoming a member of NATO is one of the country’s strategic goals.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia exacerbates this desire. Moscow thwarted Kiev’s move because they feared it would lose influence, existence and make NATO stronger.
The dispute also involves a number of Western countries that are members of NATO.
(isa/bac)
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