Senators support Biden’s stance against Ukraine’s NATO membership amid ongoing conflict.
Senators Back President Biden’s Stance on Ukraine’s NATO Membership
Senators from both parties expressed their support for President Joe Biden after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment over NATO’s refusal to grant Ukraine membership during the annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Biden, during a joint press conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in Helsinki, reiterated his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO while the country is still at war with Russia. He emphasized that NATO membership cannot be granted when a NATO nation is under attack, as it would essentially mean being involved in a war.
“We’re in a third world war,” Biden stated. “So it’s not about whether or not they should or shouldn’t join. It’s about when they can join, and they will join NATO.”
Zelensky initially expressed his displeasure with NATO’s decision, calling it “unprecedented and absurd” that no clear timeline was set for Ukraine’s invitation or membership. However, the Group of Seven issued a joint declaration of support, reaffirming their commitment to a free and sovereign Ukraine, which helped ease Zelensky’s concerns.
Senators from both sides of the aisle defended NATO and Biden’s position, citing NATO’s Article 5 provision that considers an attack on any member as an attack on all. They emphasized the need to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict before considering Ukraine’s membership.
Senator Dan Sullivan, who participated in a congressional delegation to the summit, acknowledged Zelensky’s concerns but believed that the summit’s focus on supporting Ukraine, meeting defense requirements, and prioritizing the Asia Pacific region was appropriate.
“The whole issue on Ukraine is premature on membership,” Sullivan added. “You’ve got to win. If you don’t win, the whole issue is moot.”
Senator Mitt Romney, a strong supporter of Ukraine, argued against specifying a timeframe for Ukraine’s NATO membership while the conflict with Russia continues. He emphasized the need to avoid signing up for a conflict with Russia at this stage.
Senators Richard Blumenthal, Marco Rubio, and Mark Kelly also expressed their opposition to Ukraine’s admission into NATO while the war is ongoing.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Ukraine ally, predicted that Ukraine would eventually join NATO but acknowledged that the war must first be resolved. He emphasized the importance of not giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a veto over Ukraine’s future.
Senator Chris Coons, a close ally of President Biden, highlighted Ukraine’s progress in making political changes and defense upgrades to meet the requirements for EU membership. He noted that these steps also contribute to Ukraine’s path towards NATO membership.
Senators Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and J.D. Vance, who oppose NATO expansion, had differing views on NATO’s role in supporting Ukraine. Paul believed that Ukraine’s membership would lead to direct involvement in the war with Russia, while Hawley emphasized the need for burden sharing among European NATO members. Vance called for a reassessment of NATO’s commitment to Ukraine, considering the lack of a clear strategic exit in the conflict.
Overall, senators agreed that Ukraine’s NATO membership should be considered once the Russia-Ukraine conflict is resolved, ensuring a stable and secure future for both Ukraine and the alliance.
Source: The Washington Examiner
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