KYIV, Ukraine – April 4 marks the 76th anniversary of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. While NATO provides extensive military and financial assistance, Ukraine’s path to full membership remains uncertain due to political challenges and the reluctance of some member states.
NATO was established on April 4, 1949, when representatives from 12 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C. The alliance has since grown to include 32 nations, with Sweden being the latest addition in March 2024.
Ukraine has long sought to join NATO, particularly since the 2014 Russian invasion of Crimea. In 2019, Ukraine amended its Constitution to make NATO membership a strategic goal. However, despite its commitment, Ukraine was denied a Membership Action Plan (MAP) in 2008 due to opposition from Germany and France. On September 30, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formally applied for NATO membership, but the process remains complicated by geopolitical tensions and ongoing war.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, NATO has provided Ukraine with extensive military support to bolster its defence capabilities. The alliance has pledged over €20 billion (approximately £17 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine in 2025, with long-term commitments of at least €40 billion (£34 billion) to sustain its fight against Russian forces. This support includes advanced weaponry, intelligence-sharing, and logistical aid.
According to political expert Stanislav Zhelikhovsky, NATO’s assistance has been instrumental in strengthening Ukraine’s military resilience. However, he warns that Ukraine’s full membership in NATO is still uncertain, particularly given shifting political landscapes in member countries. The United States, once a strong supporter of NATO expansion, has shown signs of retreating from European affairs under the Trump administration, raising concerns about long-term commitments to Ukraine.
Zhelikhovsky also highlights the historical significance of NATO-Ukraine relations, dating back to Ukraine’s independence in 1991. Over the years, Ukraine has worked closely with NATO, but political instability, including the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych, temporarily stalled progress. The 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest was a critical moment, where Ukraine hoped for a clear path to membership but faced resistance from France and Germany. Experts believe that Moscow had already begun planning its aggression against Ukraine and Georgia at that time, further complicating Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
While NATO membership remains a long-term goal, alternative security arrangements are being considered. The European Union has proposed strengthening its defence capabilities through a five-year strategic plan, which could provide Ukraine with enhanced military cooperation. Other potential security models include bilateral agreements with NATO member states, similar to the defence pacts maintained by Israel, South Korea, and Japan with the United States.
Despite the challenges, NATO remains Ukraine’s most reliable partner in countering Russian aggression. While full membership may not be imminent, continued military aid and strategic partnerships will be essential for Ukraine’s defence and security in the years ahead.
