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NBCJul 01, 2023
Biden: War Must End Before NATO Can Consider Ukraine Membership
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Image copyright: The White House [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
US Pres. Biden this weekend closed the door on Ukraine's membership of the NATO alliance, at least for now — telling CNN that the war with Russia must first end before membership for Ukraine can be considered.
In an interview with the network's Fareed Zakaria that aired Sunday, Biden said: "I don't think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This is a vital NATO summit for Ukraine. Not only does the alliance need to provide a clear road map to Ukraine's future membership of NATO, it must provide Ukraine with everything it needs so that it wins this war and reestablishes full control over its internationally recognized 1991 borders. This should include the delivery of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) weapons.
Establishment-critical narrative
Although Putin may look weakened following the failed revolt, this key NATO summit is a time for mature statesmanship. The shifting goalposts on weapons show just how much the war has escalated over 16 months. Now's the time for NATO to realize that its security lies in a settlement with Russia, not doubling down on more weapons and war.
