Melnyk calls for Ukraine to join NATO: the risk of a nuclear war would decrease
Created: 05/19/2022, 10:14 am
By: Vincent Bussow
The Ambassador of Ukraine Andriy Melnyk has called for his country to join NATO soon.
According to him, this would reduce the risk of Russia using nuclear weapons.
(Archive photo) © Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Ukraine's proximity to NATO is central to Russia's war of aggression.
The Ukrainian ambassador is now taking up the issue of accession again.
Berlin – The ambassador of Ukraine in Germany has campaigned for his country to join NATO.
Andriy Melnyk, who has been conspicuous for his sharp and direct choice of words since the beginning of the Ukraine war, argued that Ukraine's accession would reduce the risk of a nuclear war.
He took up the topic on Thursday (May 19) in an interview with the newspapers of the Funke media group.
Ukraine's proximity to NATO is a central component of the Ukraine conflict.
The reasons for Melnyk's statement are the plans for Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
Both countries submitted the corresponding applications on May 18, with the alliance promising them a quick procedure.
The Ukrainian ambassador also called for such treatment in an interview with the Funke media group: “One thing is clear: we want to join NATO quickly.
It can happen just as quickly as in the case of Sweden and Finland.”
Nuclear deterrence: Ukraine ambassador calls for NATO membership
Melnyk claimed that Ukraine joining NATO would reduce the risk of Russia using nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war.
"Then Putin would know: If Ukraine were attacked with nuclear weapons, he would have to reckon with a nuclear retaliation.
That would stop him.” Vladimir Putin cited Ukraine's proximity to NATO as one reason for Russia's invasion of the neighboring country.
Even before the Ukraine conflict escalated, Russia had demanded binding guarantees that Ukraine would not join the military alliance.
Andrei Melnyk | |
|---|---|
Date of birth | September 07, 1975 |
Place of birth | Lviv, Ukrainian SSR |
Government office | Ambassador of Ukraine in Germany |
In addition to NATO membership, Melnyk also addressed Ukraine's much more promising prospects of joining the EU.
The ambassador believes it is possible for his country to become part of the Union within the next ten years, he told the Funke media group.
The EU Commission is currently working on a statement on the corresponding application.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had promised Ukraine a quick procedure in April.
Melnyk called for the federal government in Germany to play a "leading role in this historic process." (vbu/dpa)
