Ukraine Deserves to be in NATO

The best way to celebrate Ukraine's independence is to invite it to join NATO.

Yesterday, August 24, was Ukrainian Independence Day—its fourth celebrated under a hail of bullets, rockets, drones, and missiles delivered by the power that would deny it that independence.

A day earlier, I had the privilege of joining a distinguished panel to discuss the global security implications of the war against Ukraine in Chicago at a Forum organized by Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. There, I made a plea for Ukraine to join NATO. Here is a lightly edited version of my brief remarks.

Why Ukraine Must Join NATO

First of all, thank you so much for inviting me. The Ukrainian community here in Chicago is truly extraordinary. Chicago itself is a special city, but what makes it especially meaningful for me is this community—one that loves both America and Ukraine in equal measure.

In the twelve years I’ve lived here, I’ve had the privilege of spending a great deal of time with the Ukrainian community—unfortunately, often for tragic reasons. Not long after I arrived in 2013, Russia began its war against Ukraine. That war has defined this community and its spirit for more than 11 years now—no more so than now.

I will confine my remarks to one single point: Ukraine should—and must—become a member of NATO.

Why do I say this? Let’s start with NATO’s founding document. Article 10 of the NATO Treaty says that any European state can be invited to join if it adheres to the alliance’s principles and, most importantly, if it contributes to the security of the North Atlantic area. By that standard, no country has done more in recent years for NATO’s security than Ukraine. In the last three and a half years—indeed, in many ways since 2014—Ukraine has defended not just its own sovereignty but also the freedom and security of every person living in Europe and North America. And it has done so at immeasurable cost: in lives lost, families torn apart, cultural treasures destroyed, and a society forever marked by sacrifice.

So why isn’t Ukraine already a member? Because Russia objects. That is the plain truth. If Moscow had no problem with Ukrainian membership, Ukraine would have been admitted fifteen years ago. Yet somehow, both President Biden and President Trump—like other U.S. leaders before them—have allowed Vladimir Putin, the most brutal dictator of our time, to exercise a veto over NATO’s decisions. This is unacceptable. It is illogical, and it is dangerous.

We must say clearly: there is no substitute for NATO membership. No “NATO-like” guarantees, no temporary arrangements, no creative formulas can match Article 5 protection. If Ukraine meets the criteria—and it does—it should join.

History shows us this is possible. West Germany joined NATO in 1955, despite its division. Norway entered in 1949 while banning permanent foreign troop deployments in peacetime. Central and Eastern European members joined NATO with the understanding that no nuclear weapons be stationed on their soil. NATO has always found pragmatic solutions to political difficulties. It can do so again.

The principle must remain simple and firm: when a European nation demonstrates its commitment to NATO’s values, and when it does more than any other to safeguard the security of the North Atlantic area, that country deserves membership. Ukraine has earned its place. It is time to say so, clearly and unequivocally.

Thank you.