NATO’s two-day summit in Lithuania, culminated on 12 Jul.
Ukraine had pinned lot of hopes on this summit but except promises and assurances it got nothing.
Highlights ;
NATO leaders refused to set a clear timeline for Ukraine’s future membership in the alliance, which disappointed Ukraine President Zelenskky, who tweeted ; "It was unprecedented and absurd.”
The decision of not setting a clear timeline - was a diplomatic win for the United States. White House spokesperson John Kirby argued that the alliance could not accept Kyiv’s accession at this time without putting NATO at war with Russia. This had put the United States in a tight spot with some other NATO members, which wanted Ukraine to join..
So, as a reconciliation Biden and every NATO country leader assured Ukraine of continuous support in terms of war machinery to fight Russians.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris would supply Kyiv with long-range missiles, emphasizing the importance of sending “a message of support for Ukraine, of NATO unity, and of determination that Russia cannot and must not win this war.”
The United Kingdom followed by agreeing to continue providing Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
The G-7, also issued a joint declaration pledging “to provide Ukraine with swift and sustained security assistance, modern military equipment across land, sea and air domains, and economic assistance,”
The newly created NATO – UKRAINE Council also met for the first time and set the goal of tightening cooperation between the two parties.
All this did calm down Zelensky a bit.
And so he issued a mollifying statement after his One on One meet with Biden ; “The Ukrainian delegation is bringing home a significant security victory for the Ukraine, for our country, for our people, for our children,” “It opens for us absolutely new security opportunities, and I thank everyone who made it possible.”
In a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General, Zelensky said: “We can state that the results of the summit are good, but if there had been an invitation to join NATO, they would have been perfect.”
Mood in Ukraine.
For last more than a year now the people of Ukraine have been facing war and numerous challenges, so its not surprising that 89% Ukrainians, support joining the NATO alliance. They are concerned about their security, freedom, and therefore , it is quite likely that the Ukrainians might be DISAPPOINTED with the outcome of the NATO Summit.
Therefore , A Ukrainian activist Daria Kaleniuk asked U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during a public forum ; “What should I tell my son? That President Biden and NATO didn’t invite Ukraine to NATO because he’s afraid of Russia - afraid of Russia losing or afraid of Ukraine winning?”
People in Ukraine are likely to feel that NATO’s refusal to set a timeframe for Ukraine’s membership was not only disrespectful but it also gives Russia motivation to “continue its terror.”
Conclusion.
So, Ukrainians have to save their Freeodm themselves against the mighty Russian armed forces.
There is a lesson here for India too which is surrounded by inimical powers.
Secondly, whether Ukraine joins NATO or not is immaterial but following is absolutely clear now ;
One. None of Putin's objectives of war are likely to be achieved.
Two. Putin has driven Ukraine and other East European countries closer to NATO.
Three. NATO , particularly Europe has emerged more United than Putin had envisaged.
Four. He has ruined his own economy.