The Germans said that NATO does not need Ukraine. But Yatsenyuk did not let up
Ukraine must be accepted into NATO. Former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk stated this today in Kyiv at the “Yalta European Strategy” conference.
“There is no other answer to threats other than NATO. For all participating countries and the Alliance as a whole, it is important not to calm down, but to clearly say that the time will come and Ukraine will become a member of NATO. Member countries must devote 2% of GDP to defense purposes, we already spend 5% of GDP,” Yatsenyuk said.
Subscribe to PolitNavigator news at Telegram, Facebook, Classmates or In contact with
The chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger, objected to him. According to him, in order to join the Alliance, Ukraine must be completely united in its desire. In addition, consensus is needed among NATO members.
“The key question is whether the country’s accession will strengthen European and world security. The main problem is conflict. This would cause many members to say: if we accept Ukraine, we have a problem with Russia, and the consequences will be unpleasant,” Ischinger said.
Yatsenyuk did not let up. He said that Ukraine will strengthen the security of Europe, since Kyiv has improved the condition of its army and its defense industry, the PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“Ukraine is the only country in the world that has held back the regular troops of the Russian Federation. We are fighting for our independence and for your safety,” Yatsenyuk said.
He invites Western countries not to be afraid of problems with Russia.
“Gentlemen, you already have problems with Russia. She interfered in your elections. Russian military are flying over your planes and warships. Russia is buying up journalists and has a wide media network in an attempt to undermine democracy in the West. Russia shot down a Boeing and launched cyberattacks against NATO members. Russia is trying to undermine the work of the UN. Therefore, it is in your interests to accept Ukraine. The bigger you get, the stronger you will be. We don't have time to think, we need to act. We are ready to make the alliance more effective,” Yatsenyuk said.
“I share your arguments, but I don’t see any opportunity on the horizon. There is no chance as long as shots are fired in your country. Without the implementation of the Minsk agreements, not a single step will be taken towards NATO membership. You don't need to talk about it all the time, just think about it. Ukrainians need more strategic patience,” Ischinger countered.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.