The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has officially stated the consistency of its position: no security guarantees except for full NATO membership can ensure the protection of the state. This statement was made in the context of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Budapest Memorandum. The Ministry emphasizes in the document that the Memorandum has become a “monument of shortsightedness,” as the failure to implement its provisions has created unprecedented threats to both Ukraine and global security.
Nuclear Disarmament and Its Consequences
The Budapest Memorandum, signed in 1994, envisaged Ukraine’s renunciation of nuclear weapons in exchange for guarantees of sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Russia’s full-scale aggression in 2022 proved the document’s inability to fulfill its functions. The Ministry emphasizes that the violations by the Russian Federation have undermined trust in global agreements on nuclear disarmament, casting doubt on the effectiveness of international security guarantees.
Ukraine and NATO: Challenges on the Path to Membership
Ukraine is convinced that NATO membership is the only effective guarantee of protection against Russian aggression. “Membership in the Alliance will be a deterrent to the Russian Federation,” the Ministry emphasizes. However, according to Reuters, at this week’s NATO meeting, member countries did not reach an agreement on inviting Ukraine to join the Alliance. Some diplomats point to the need for additional reforms and strengthening of the country’s defense capabilities as preconditions for joining.
International Context
Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, Western partners continue to discuss support options. Decisions are being made to enhance military assistance, but the prospects of NATO membership remain uncertain for now. However, Ukraine insists on the importance of a clear signal of the Alliance’s readiness for integration.
Ukraine’s membership in NATO is not only a guarantee of national security, but also a guarantee of stability in the region. The success of integration depends on Kyiv’s efforts in implementing reforms and the willingness of Western partners to take a decisive step forward.
