Unnamed European diplomats suggest that if Kamalah Harris wins the upcoming US Presidential election, President Biden could push for Ukraine’s NATO invite during the transition period. However, Trump’s victory may derail such an effort.
According to Le Monde, the French newspaper, the United States has reportedly softened its opposition to inviting Ukraine into NATO. This could also influence Germany’s position.
President Zelensky presented his victory plan to European leaders on 17 October in Brussels. The first point was the invitation to join NATO. Other points include strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, implementing deterrence against Russian aggression and utilizing Ukraine’s wartime experiences for future European defence. Zelenskyy warned against rejecting his plan for victory, as it would weaken Ukraine’s efforts.
Le Monde, citing anonymous sources, reports that the US changed its stance during recent high-level meetings among Western leaders.
On 18 October, US president Joe Biden met in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister KeirStarmer, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron. Their primary focus was Ukraine. They paid particular attention to coordinating responses in response to Ukraine’s Victory Plan.
While the US, Germany and other NATO members have publicly opposed Ukraine’s membership in NATO, France and the UK are more supportive. Sources suggest that the US is no longer opposed to Ukraine being invited to NATO.
Unnamed European diplomats told Le Monde that, if Kamalah Harris wins the upcoming US Presidential election, Biden could work towards inviting Ukraine into NATO during the transition phase.
The diplomat said, “If Trump is in charge, then the consideration no longer matters, and even the slightest initiative by Biden could worsen the situation.”
Washington’s possible shift in stance could influence Berlin. The newspaper does note that any decision regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership will require consensus from all Alliance members including potential objectioners like Hungary or Turkiye.
The leaders also discussed using long-range weaponry to strike Russian territory. According to reports, Paris and London were more open to the idea. Le Monde reports, however, that no decisions were made during the meeting and none is expected until after the US election.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte did not fully endorse the victory plan. He said that more discussion was needed to determine its feasibility.
Earlier, US ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith said that Ukraine would not be invited to join the Alliance any time soon. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed the hope that Ukraine would become a member in the next decade.
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