Ukraine: "No Way to Prevent Border Disputes with Russia Except NATO Membership"

"Cannot Stop Russia with Defense Reform"
Russia: "NATO Membership Only Worsens the Situation"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukraine, where border disputes and localized conflicts are occurring with Russia in the eastern Donbas region, has requested the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to expedite approval of Ukraine's NATO membership. Ukraine appealed that it cannot stop Russia or end the conflict with its own defense capabilities alone. However, since Ukraine shares a border with Russia, NATO member countries are continuing to deliberate over Ukraine's membership, as joining NATO could further escalate the conflict. Russia has warned that it will not tolerate Ukraine's NATO membership, stating it would only worsen the situation.

According to foreign media including Deutsche Welle (DW) on the 6th (local time), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about Russia's aggression and rising military tensions in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. Following the call, Zelensky appealed on Twitter for the expedited accession of Ukraine to NATO. President Zelensky emphasized, "The only way to end the conflict in Donbas is for Ukraine to become a NATO member," adding, "We are committed to our own defense reforms, but this alone cannot stop Russia."

Since Russia's forced annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine has strongly requested NATO membership. However, Russia strongly opposes this, and NATO has so far refrained from accepting Ukraine's membership due to concerns about escalating conflict with Russia. Nevertheless, joint military exercises are conducted regularly.

Meanwhile, Russia has strongly warned that Ukraine's NATO membership would only further deteriorate regional security. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated at a press conference that day, "Ukraine's move to join NATO will not help at all," and strongly warned, "NATO member countries will not accept Ukraine's membership."

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