"Ukraine formally applied for fast-track NATO membership in September 2022, seven months after Russia's invasion. While most of the alliance's members have welcomed Ukraine's ascension, the sentiment is not universal. Ukraine's long quest to join NATO encountered resistance from unconvinced members in the past and there are still potential holdouts today. This article will examine the state of Ukraine's NATO ambitions, opponents, and other obstacles to Kyiv's membership."
"Ukraine joining NATO would have serious implications for the alliance's future. Article 5 clearly states an attack on one is an attack on all so any future Russian aggression would pose a serious risk of escalation into a global conflict. Equally, Ukraine joining NATO would be the strongest possible deterrent against another attack. It is important to know what's standing in Ukraine's way."
"Since breaking away from the Soviet Union, Ukraine's foreign policy has veered between neutrality, placating Moscow, and pivoting towards the West. Ukraine's Statement of Sovereignty in 1990 outlined a neutral future outlook: The Ukrainian SSR solemnly declares its intention of becoming a permanently neutral state that does not participate in military blocs and adheres to three nuclear free principles: to accept, to produce and to purchase no nuclear weapons. Ukraine has sought NATO membership intermittently since gaining its independence in 1991."
Ukraine formally applied for fast-track NATO membership in September 2022, seven months after Russia's full-scale invasion. NATO member reactions have been mixed, with many welcoming Ukraine but some unconvinced or likely holdouts remaining. Article 5 would bind allies to defend Ukraine, creating both a strong deterrent and a risk of escalation with Russia. Ukraine pursued a neutral posture after 1990 and has intermittently sought NATO integration since independence, joining cooperation forums in the 1990s. Updates in 2025 clarified the Budapest Memorandum, NATO internal practices, positions of key European actors, Hungary's stance, and the potential influence of a Trump second term.
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