NATO will benefit from Ukraine's accession - MEP Rasa Juknevičienė

In 2008, Ukraine did not join NATO due to Western fears of provoking Vladimir Putin to escalate. However, the member of the European Parliament believes that the Russian dictator was provoked by not inviting Ukraine to be part of the Alliance and the EU. 

“Fortunately, today's situation is different, and Ukraine has received a certain status as a candidate for the European Union. According to my understanding, Ukraine is more than a member of NATO today. Because Ukraine is acting like it is a member of the Alliance and is using the Western weapons. We in Lithuania and many other countries understand that Ukraine is de facto already a member of NATO. And it's only a matter of time when Ukraine will officially become the Alliance member country,” she noted. 

Moreover, the former Lithuania's Minister of Defense believes that all member countries will benefit from Ukraine's accession to NATO.

“We have to change narratives in NATO countries. This is beneficial not only for Ukraine. But we in NATO also need Ukraine,” Rasa Juknevičienė concluded.