President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has announced his intention to call the current President of the United States, Joe Biden, to discuss Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO. Zelensky’s urgency stems from the limited window of opportunity before Donald Trump assumes office following his recent electoral victory.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Kyiv after a meeting with Friedrich Merz, a candidate for the chancellorship in Germany. Zelensky emphasised that President Biden’s position is pivotal in determining the future trajectory of Ukraine’s relationship with the transatlantic alliance.
Timing the Diplomatic Push
Zelensky stated his intent to initiate dialogue with Biden soon, contingent upon the latter’s availability.
“I am planning to call President Biden in the near future, if he has the opportunity to speak with me, to specifically raise the issue of Ukraine’s invitation to NATO. As the sitting President of the United States, his stance is crucial,” Zelensky remarked.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted the challenges of engaging with the U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump, before his formal inauguration. “It’s difficult to discuss this matter with President-elect Trump as he has not yet assumed office and does not hold the legal authority to influence such decisions,” he explained.
Ukraine’s NATO Aspirations
Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership have been a cornerstone of Zelensky’s foreign policy, particularly in the wake of Russia’s ongoing invasion. The country has sought security guarantees and a clear path to NATO accession as part of its strategy to deter further Russian aggression.
The 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius saw allied leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine, but an explicit invitation to join the alliance remains pending. The NATO communiqué stated that Ukraine would be invited to join when “conditions are met,” without specifying a timeline or detailed prerequisites. This ambiguity has left Kyiv eager to secure more concrete commitments.
Implications of a Trump Presidency
Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House has heightened concerns in Kyiv regarding the future of U.S. support for Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. Trump’s first presidency was marked by criticism of NATO and demands for increased defence spending by member states, leading to fears that his return could result in a more isolationist U.S. foreign policy.
Zelensky’s urgency reflects a recognition that Biden’s administration has been a steadfast ally, providing significant military and financial support to Ukraine in its war with Russia. By securing a NATO invitation under Biden, Ukraine aims to lock in a strategic commitment that may be less certain under Trump.
Europe’s Role in Ukraine’s NATO Bid
The Ukrainian President’s meeting with Friedrich Merz underscores the importance of European allies in shaping NATO’s stance on Ukraine. Germany, as one of NATO’s key players, wields considerable influence in alliance deliberations. While Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has been supportive of Ukraine, internal divisions within Germany’s political landscape could affect its position on Ukraine’s membership.
Merz, representing Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, has advocated for a robust Western response to Russian aggression. His potential leadership could bolster Ukraine’s chances of gaining stronger backing from Berlin, further aligning European support with Kyiv’s NATO aspirations.
Challenges Ahead
Despite Zelensky’s proactive diplomacy, several hurdles remain. NATO operates on a consensus basis, meaning that any single member state can block an invitation. Some member states continue to express reservations, citing concerns over the potential for direct conflict with Russia, which views NATO expansion as a threat to its sphere of influence.
Additionally, meeting the “conditions” set by NATO for Ukraine’s membership is a complex and ongoing process. While Ukraine has made significant strides in aligning its military and political systems with NATO standards, the war with Russia presents unique challenges that complicate the pathway to accession.
Strategic Implications
For Kyiv, NATO membership is not only a strategic goal but also a symbol of its integration into the Western security framework. An invitation to join would send a powerful message to Moscow about the West’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For the Biden administration, the decision carries significant weight. Supporting Ukraine’s NATO membership could solidify the U.S.’s role as a global leader in defending democratic values, but it also risks escalating tensions with Russia at a critical juncture.
As the clock ticks down on Biden’s presidency, Zelensky’s call highlights the urgency of securing a breakthrough in Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. The next few weeks may prove pivotal in determining whether Kyiv’s long-standing goal will advance or remain in limbo as the geopolitical landscape shifts.
