Ukraine should follow Finland’s example on NATO accession — Ukrainian diplomat

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Undoubtedly, NATO membership is beneficial for Ukraine's Defense Forces, as we have quite intensive cooperation. And most importantly, we have taken on certain commitments regarding reforms in the security and defense sector, as well as at the national level, since NATO is not only about military forces, but also about the rule of law, democratic and civilian control, and much more. Of course, NATO serves as a role model for us. Most countries don’t have such combat experience, but the Alliance is quite effective in terms of command structures and many other aspects we need. NATO, as an organization, helps us. Plus, let’s remember that one of the decisions from the Washington Summit was to move the headquarters responsible for continuing aid to Ukraine to Germany. This security assistance group, or as it’s often called, the Ramstein Group. So, NATO will continue to help us as an organization, and of course, that will be very positive," he said.

Oleksandr Khara believes that Ukraine should take Finland as an example, which had limited sovereignty after World War II.

"But they implemented NATO standards, they integrated into NATO structures as much as possible, up to the level of membership. Then, when an opportunity arose, after the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, they decided to join the organization. So, we should definitely not be skeptical about this. I would say that no one can forbid Ukraine from aspiring to join NATO, as the organization’s charter outlines the criteria for countries that can become NATO members. I don’t think Trump will be able to change this charter to exclude Ukraine. Another issue is that they might pressure us to change our constitution, effectively abolishing NATO from it and introducing some neutral or non-aligned status," he noted.

• On March 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, noted that the United States, as the main ally in NATO, does not support Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance.
• On March 26, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine's accession to the Alliance is not considered part of a potential peace agreement, though this may change.
• On March 28, NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone stated that technically and structurally, the Ukrainian army has not yet fully met all the Alliance’s requirements.