The upcoming Ramstein-format meeting between NATO allies is set to present Ukraine with concrete steps towards its future integration into the alliance. This development follows months of discussions between Kyiv and Western partners over the country’s long-standing aspiration to join NATO.
According to reports from The Washington Post, which cited Ukrainian and Western officials, the Ramstein meeting could deliver more specific forms of support for Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, despite uncertainty about meeting all of Kyiv’s immediate demands.
NATO countries are reportedly exploring various options to offer Ukraine a more concrete path towards membership, which has been a critical topic since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. One Western diplomat highlighted that, while these proposals might not fully meet Ukraine’s most pressing needs, they still represent a significant signal of continued support for Ukraine’s eventual integration into the alliance. This support is seen as a crucial element of Ukraine’s defence strategy and broader national security framework.
At previous NATO summits, discussions around Ukraine’s membership have often been framed as a long-term objective, with a focus on short-term security assistance and reforms. However, this Ramstein meeting is expected to mark a shift towards addressing Ukraine’s more immediate needs on its path to NATO membership.
Military Assistance in Focus
Another key element of the discussions is the provision of military aid. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was unable to secure the lifting of certain missile restrictions from Western allies, there is an expectation that alternative forms of military assistance may be provided. These discussions come as Ukraine continues to defend its territory against Russian aggression, with ongoing requests for advanced military hardware.
The issue of missile restrictions has been a sensitive one for Ukraine, which seeks enhanced capabilities to strike at long-range Russian military targets. However, Western reluctance stems from concerns about escalation risks. In this context, Ramstein may offer other forms of support, possibly including additional air defence systems, artillery, or intelligence-sharing.
Concerns Over U.S. Elections and Long-term Support
Amid these military and diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections on continued support for Ukraine. With U.S. President Joe Biden facing a challenging election campaign, there are fears in Kyiv that any shifts in American domestic politics could threaten the flow of military aid.
Ukraine has been a significant recipient of U.S. military assistance since the beginning of the war, and Kyiv is eager to secure assurances of continued support. President Zelensky and his team are keen to position Biden’s support for Ukraine as part of his political legacy, with hopes that a successful outcome in Ukraine could bolster his international standing ahead of the elections.
However, the Biden administration has approached these decisions cautiously, as any major commitments related to Ukraine may have implications for the Democratic campaign.
Zelensky’s “Victory Plan”
Zelensky is expected to present his “victory plan” to NATO and other Western leaders at the Ramstein meeting, which will take place in Germany at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base on Oct. 12. This plan is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy for achieving a military and political victory in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Kyiv’s proposal aims to consolidate international support, outlining a path that includes continued military aid, sanctions on Russia, and steps towards NATO membership.
For Zelensky, the Ramstein meeting is a critical moment to reinforce Ukraine’s case for integration into the Western security alliance, while also securing the resources needed for its war effort.
NATO Membership and the German Model
In a related discussion, the Financial Times reported on 5 October that some Western diplomats are considering models for Ukraine’s future NATO membership. One idea being circulated is based on the West German precedent during the Cold War, when West Germany joined NATO while East Germany remained under Soviet control. This model would allow Ukraine to join the alliance, while the country’s eastern territories, currently under Russian occupation, could remain a separate issue.
Image source: Ukrinform
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