Ukraine to be immediately accepted into NATO if Russia attacks again, says Senator Graham

He made this statement at the Munich Security Conference.

Graham stated that no one wants to be a provocateur, but if Ukraine were to be taken into NATO, Putin would likely go crazy, noting that he already seemed to have lost control. He explained that the goal was to scare Putin, making him think twice before taking action, and warned that any such move would result in the destruction of his economy and the tearing apart of his country through sanctions.

Graham emphasized that Russia would not be treated "as a normal country" because, in his view, it was not one. He argued that any potential peace agreement should include measures to prevent Putin from repeating the invasion.

The senator expressed his support for Ukraine's NATO membership, mentioning that some countries had yet to decide on their position.

He added that he wanted Putin to be aware that if Russia invaded again, Ukraine would immediately join NATO. He made it clear that there would be sanctions, further negative consequences for Russia, and more soldiers in Ukraine, as the situation would impact American business.

• The 61st Munich Security Conference kicked off on Friday, February 14.