On September 3, 2021, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a speech at the annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) summit, where he emphasized the importance of Ukraine joining NATO. Speaking about the country’s desire for closer integration with the North Atlantic Alliance, Zelenskyy used a unique phrase — «by parts» — to describe Ukraine’s approach to joining the alliance.
The idea of Ukraine becoming a part of NATO is not a new one. The country has long been seeking membership in the alliance as a way to strengthen its national security and align itself with other democratic nations. However, the path to membership has been met with numerous challenges, including Russia’s aggressive actions in the region and concerns from some NATO members about Ukraine’s readiness to join.
In his speech, Zelenskyy addressed these concerns and explained why it is crucial for Ukraine to join NATO. He stressed that membership in the alliance is not just about military protection, but also about economic, political, and social cooperation. «We want to be a part of the European and Euro-Atlantic community of nations, where democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are fundamental values,» he stated.
The President also acknowledged that Ukraine still has work to do in terms of reforms and meeting NATO’s membership criteria. However, he firmly stated that Ukraine is ready and willing to undertake the necessary steps to become a full-fledged member of the alliance. In this context, Zelenskyy’s use of the phrase «by parts» can be interpreted as a recognition of the need for gradual integration into NATO, with a focus on achieving tangible results in specific areas.
One of the main arguments in favor of Ukraine’s membership in NATO is the country’s strategic location. Situated between Russia and Europe, Ukraine plays a crucial role in ensuring regional stability. By joining NATO, the country would gain additional support and protection against potential aggression from its powerful neighbor. This would also serve as a deterrent for future aggression against other NATO members.
Moreover, Zelenskyy highlighted the economic benefits that come with NATO membership. As part of the alliance, Ukraine would have access to a larger market and increased trade opportunities. This would not only boost the country’s economy but also contribute to the development of its democratic institutions.
The President also addressed the concerns of some NATO members, particularly Germany and France, who have previously expressed reservations about Ukraine’s readiness to join the alliance. Zelenskyy assured them that Ukraine is committed to implementing necessary reforms and that progress has already been made in areas such as defense and anti-corruption efforts.
In his speech, Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of unity among NATO members. He urged the alliance to be more proactive in responding to global challenges, including those posed by Russia. He also expressed his hope for closer cooperation between NATO and Ukraine’s neighboring countries, such as Georgia and Moldova, who share similar aspirations for integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
The Ukrainian President’s speech at the YES summit once again reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to joining NATO. Zelenskyy’s articulation of Ukraine’s desire for «gradual integration» into the alliance demonstrates a pragmatic and realistic approach to achieving this goal. However, it is also a clear message to the international community that Ukraine is ready and determined to become part of NATO and contribute to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region.
In conclusion, Zelenskyy’s explanation of why Ukraine needs to join NATO was a powerful and persuasive argument for the country’s membership in the alliance. By highlighting the economic, political, and security benefits that come with NATO membership, he made a strong case for why the alliance should welcome Ukraine with open arms. As the country continues its path towards European integration, joining NATO is a crucial step that will not only benefit Ukraine but also contribute to the overall security and stability of the region.
