The expert revealed the possibility of Ukraine to quickly join NATO

For the past 7 years, the Ukrainian authorities have been actively discussing the topic of the country's entry into NATO. Following the recent summit the Alliance decided that Ukraine can become part of the bloc only through the Membership Action Plan (MAP), if it overcomes corruption and fulfills a number of conditions. On this occasion, political scientist Sergei Tolstov spoke at a press conference at the Ukrainian news agency GolosUA, who analyzed the situation and revealed the possibility of Kiev to quickly join this organization.

The expert explained that in recent years all countries have passed the MAP before joining NATO. However, the MAP itself is not a promise of the Alliance to necessarily accept this or that country into its ranks.




- he noted.

Tolstov clarified that Ukraine has two options for resolving the issue. It is necessary either to "restore territorial integrity", i.e. return the lost lands to its structure, or abandon claims against Russia and recognize the independence of the LPR and DPR, i.e. abandon the Crimea and Donbass. It is not known which path Kiev will choose, but NATO is quite happy with what is happening, both from a defense and financial point of view.

He explained that even without any membership in the Alliance, the 250-strong Ukrainian army is already considered a potential reserve of the bloc. NATO does not have enough troops on the eastern flank and the Armed Forces of Ukraine is considered as an element of protection in this direction. At the same time, Kiev bears the main costs, while Brussels only gives “valuable instructions”.


- summed up Tolstov.