Ukraine may receive 'Israel-style' security guarantee from West
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So far, Ukraine's accession to NATO has been blocked by the US and Germany, but German Chancellor Olaf Scholz suggested a security package to balance.
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Banners reading "Ukraine" and "NATO" seen on the NATO Summit venue in Vilnius, Lithuania on July 9, 2023 (AFP)
Ukraine may receive an 'Israel-style' guarantee of security from Western allies.
The Telegraph reported that discussions regarding a security formula for Ukraine were underway ahead of the NATO summit in Lithuania, which is believed to include legally-binding promises to train Ukrainian forces and share intel with them in conformation with NATO standards.
The security promise, if it goes through, will allow Ukraine to at least put its feet in cold water since its ultimate wish to join NATO has not been secured or guaranteed yet.
So far, Ukraine's accession to NATO has been blocked by the US and Germany, but German Chancellor Olaf Scholz suggested a security package to balance.
Although "Israel" is not part of NATO, it receives billions of pounds in military funding from the US in a deal renewable every 10 years, which is what Scholz is suggesting for Ukraine. He said that could serve as a "major role" in the war in Ukraine, as per the Telegraph.
Read more: 55% of Germans want Ukraine to join NATO: YouGov poll
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said earlier on Monday that NATO officials agreed to fast-forward Ukraine's application, which means that it would no longer be asked to participate in the club's Membership Action Plan - a process of reforms for any potential member.
"Ukraine has come a long way since we made the decision in 2008 that the next step would be a Membership Action Plan. Ukraine is much closer to NATO, so I think the time has come to reflect that in NATO decisions," Stoltenberg said, adding, "All put together, including that we'll make clear that Ukraine will become a member, we'll remove the Membership Action Plan, (....) will send a very strong and positive message from NATO to Ukraine."
Erdogan backs down on Sweden bid
"Following intensive talks, Nato allies have reached a consensus on removing MAP from Ukraine's path to membership. I welcome this long-awaited decision that shortens our path to Nato. It is also the best moment to offer clarity on the invitation to Ukraine to become a member," Kuleba posted on Twitter.
Following intensive talks, NATO allies have reached consensus on removing MAP from Ukraine's path to membership. I welcome this long-awaited decision that shortens our path to NATO. It is also the best moment to offer clarity on the invitation to Ukraine to become member.
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) July 10, 2023
During an interview, Zelensky told ABC News that Ukraine wants "effective security guarantees" while it waits for the approval of its accession. However, an anonymous senior NATO official expressed that "the time is not right for an invitation to Ukraine" while referring to the war.
This comes mere hours after Turkey decided to ease its block on Sweden's bid to join NATO, which was announced by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg jointly with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Swedish Ulf Kristersson.
Read more: NATO to agree on Ukraine accession, but only 1-2 years after war: MoD
Erdogan said he would call on Turkish MPs to allow the accession "as soon as possible," while US President Joe Biden replied to the announcement by declaring that a deal was struck on F-16 fighter jets for Turkey.
In a statement released by the White House, he said, "I stand ready to work with President Erdogan and Turkey on enhancing defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area."
