On July 11 and 12, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania. This annual meeting of the transatlantic alliance usually sets the course for the coming year. In 2023, Ukraine’s membership is more on the table than ever — and the 31 allies have every interest in inviting Ukrainians to join them.
For decades, NATO’s policy towards Ukraine has been guided by a desire to “not provoke” Russia. It was precisely this mistake made by NATO at the Bucharest summit in 2008 that paved the way for Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. We must not allow ourselves to repeat the same mistake. Ukraine needs the Alliance, and the Alliance needs Ukraine.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 is the result of years of impunity. More than an attempt to annihilate the Ukrainian nation and destroy its territory, it is also a total attack on European security. Neither Ukraine nor NATO chose this war. It is 100% Russia’s decision. And it is on Ukrainian and Euro-Atlantic shoulders that kyiv’s victory now rests. Accelerating Western support to Ukraine “until the end” is crucial, and Ukraine’s formal integration into NATO is key to achieving this. An integration which, by the way, will not happen overnight, because it is a gradual process.
Kyiv’s demand today is to launch the accession process, which implies a formal invitation that would set in motion a comprehensive action plan. Such an invitation would send a strong message to Moscow: a Russian victory is no longer a viable outcome, as Ukraine has firmly chosen the path of Euro-Atlantic integration.
Partial security guarantees, such as bilateral or trilateral treaties, are no longer sufficient to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which saw Ukraine give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for assurances from the US, UK and Russia, proved ineffective in deterring aggression Russian. The circumstances surrounding this agreement now appear bitterly ironic in light of recent events.
During his visit to Kyiv last June, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ukraine has the right to determine its own security arrangements and expressed Canada’s support for Ukraine’s membership in the EU. NATO when conditions permit. While these words are encouraging, they need to be backed up by a firm and unequivocal position from Ottawa. Canada has a strong interest in championing and actively participating in the creation of a NATO-Ukraine Council. This council should serve as the basis for any future cooperation between NATO and Kyiv, with a view to Ukraine’s full membership. In addition, a precise timetable for integration must be established and an official invitation must be sent to Ukraine.
At a time when Ottawa’s foreign and defense policy may be perceived as hesitant, taking a firm stance on the integration of its Ukrainian partner into NATO will allow Canada to restore its international image and get rid of the impression of being a mere follower. By deterring Russia from further aggression, Canada and its allies will undoubtedly save lives in Ukraine and strengthen the European security order.
Canada must seize this crucial moment and play a leading role in supporting Ukraine’s integration into NATO. By doing so, we would demonstrate our commitment to regional stability, the defense of democratic values and the security of our allies. Let us not waver in our support for Ukraine. Together with our NATO partners, we can forge a future where Ukraine will be a valued member of the Alliance, contributing to the collective security of the Euro-Atlantic community. It is time to act, and Canada must be a strong advocate for a safer and more peaceful world.