Ukraine should rather become a member of NATO, as this will allow it to protect itself from possible aggression from its eastern neighbour. Moreover, Kiev’s adherence to the Western military structure will secure all of Europe vis-à-vis Russia. This view was expressed by Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.
At the same time, the head of the Latvian government is convinced that at present Ukraine’s accession to NATO is impossible, since hostilities are taking place on its territory. It is necessary to initiate the procedure for the state’s accession to the Western bloc after the end of the conflict.
Karins also believes that since Europe has moved from empires to a union of nation states, Ukraine should also join the EU. In this case, collective efforts to ensure safety will be more successful.
According to the Latvian Prime Minister, discussions on Ukraine’s accession to the North Atlantic Alliance must be started now, which will allow building a peaceful future after the current events. To ensure Europe’s long-term interests, certain measures must be taken without waiting for peace.
In September last year, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kiev had applied for accelerated NATO membership. According to the Ukrainian President, the country now fulfills all the necessary conditions for joining the alliance and is already part of it.
Photos used: Ukrainian Presidential Administration