Nothing makes Russia happy. Stop trying.
This author thinks Ukraine should never be allowed to join NATO to reduce tensions with Russia.
There are at least four factors why the West should end its NATO courtship of Ukraine:
- Lack of consensus among Ukrainians about joining NATO -- According to surveys, less than half of Ukrainians want to join NATO, and only 25 percent support allowing NATO bases in the country.
- Changing strategic landscape in Europe -- Russia has strengthened militarily in recent years, making Ukraine's inclusion in NATO a dangerous prospect.
- Defensibility of Ukraine -- NATO could not feasibly defend Ukraine's 1,200-mile border with Russia.
- An imbalance of interests between the West and Russia -- For the U.S., Ukraine joining NATO is a policy option; for Russia, it's an existential threat.
The reasons are silly.
No consensus to join in Ukraine?
That just means Ukraine won't join until it has a consensus to join. NATO would want that because a flip to "Nexit" would be a little embarrassing.
NATO can't defend Ukraine especially because Russia's military is strengthening?
Cold War NATO couldn't defend West Berlin. Nato's ability to defend West Germany was questionable.
Russia will see NATO Ukraine as an existential threat?
Wait. What? A NATO unable to defend Ukraine is simultaneously an existential threat to Russia? That's a head scratcher.
Plus, the objective of compelling Ukraine to "balance demands from Russia and the West" means Ukraine will do nothing major that annoys Russia. And Russia accepts only vassals or enemies on its border. With the obvious hidden reversal on the Chinese border.
And overall, absolutely nothing NATO can do will reduce Russian paranoia about NATO.
The last thing I'd base rejecting Ukraine's membership in NATO on is gaining the good will of Russia. If Russia wants our friendship, they have our number.
