Russia's war against Ukraine has significantly undermined the security of Europe. Russia has already been weakened by the war and is gradually getting entangled in internal problems of its own making. However, the Kremlin has not abandoned its aggressive intentions to seize Ukraine and wage war against the Baltic states and Eastern Europe. Sooner or later, when Russia regains strength, it will transition from intentions to actions, which means that strengthening NATO's eastern flank is vital.
During the full-scale war, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have undergone substantial modernization and adaptation. At present, Ukrainian troops have gained extensive experience in using NATO military equipment, participate in joint exercises, and successfully apply Alliance doctrines and tactics on the battlefield. In the course of the war with Russia, the Ukrainian army has become one of the most effective in Europe and arguably the most combat-ready. Ukraine, albeit with the assistance of military equipment provided by partners, stands against Russian occupiers whose numbers are significantly larger.
The military support from Ukraine's partner countries undeniably contributes to the security of all of Europe. However, the provision of equipment is not the sole means of strengthening the defense capabilities of the European continent. Ukraine's membership in NATO would truly bolster European security. And now is the perfect time for decisive steps in that direction.
"In Vilnius, the Alliance should launch a roadmap that will lead Ukraine to NATO membership in the shortest possible time, similar to the process followed by Finland and Sweden, bypassing the Membership Action Plan, given the close and continuous interaction between NATO and Ukraine," according to a letter published in Politico by Western foreign policy experts and diplomats. The authors note that Putin has not abandoned his revisionist ambitions, and keeping Ukraine in the "gray zone" of the Alliance poses risks to peace. Therefore, the lack of unity on Ukraine's integration into NATO provokes Russian aggression.
The war in Ukraine should not be prolonged, as it would benefit Russia, allowing it to strengthen and regain its forces. Conversely, such a course of events would only harm Ukraine and its partners. The losses inflicted by the war will only increase with each passing day. A swift end to the war and Ukraine's victory would greatly alleviate the entire European continent. Achieving this in the shortest possible time requires applying what Putin and his army fear most—resolve and unity.
The NATO Summit in Vilnius should be the venue where the steps and strategy for Ukraine's accession to the Alliance are clearly outlined, along with guarantees of security until actual membership, as was the case with Finland. Finland's case is illustrative, as it decided to join NATO after years of cooperation precisely due to the Russian threat, and it was able to do so quickly without a Membership Action Plan. Ukraine strives for NATO membership for the same reason—the difference being that Finland managed to secure itself before the threat became inevitable. Ukraine's NATO membership can shatter Putin's imperial ambitions. Even if Ukraine achieves victory in the current war, Russia will seek revenge after some time. However, if Ukraine is part of the Alliance, Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty will deter Putin or any other revisionist. After all, if Russia failed to achieve its goals declared at the beginning of the war over a year, it is utterly powerless against the united forces of NATO.
Europe needs new security guarantees that will prevent the possibility of future Russian invasions while ensuring stability, peace, and economic prosperity in the region.
Thus, the future of European security will be determined very soon in Vilnius. It has the potential to become a historic summit that brings about fundamental changes in the continent's security architecture, provided its participants demonstrate determination and put an end to the echoes of Russian influence within the Alliance.
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