Vilnius/Kyiv: NATO has started activities to guarantee security to Ukraine without granting membership, just like Israel. Last month, the media claimed that the US Biden administration had presented a proposal related to this. The US proposal is supported by the United Kingdom, Germany, and other NATO member countries are also giving positive signals. Meanwhile, Turkey has approved the proposal to grant NATO membership to Sweden. NATO, the US, and Sweden have welcomed this decision of Turkey.

On the background of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, NATO has started vigorous activities to expand and increase its defence capability. As a part of this scheme, Finland and Sweden, which are close to Russia, were proposed to be included as members of NATO. Out of this, Finland has become the 31st member of NATO. Sweden’s accession process is also in the final stages; all countries except Hungary have approved it.

However, on the background of the conflict, the major countries strongly opposed the attempt to include Ukraine in NATO by the ‘fast track’ method. Ukraine’s attempt to get NATO membership was one of the main reasons for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Moreover, Russia had warned that Ukraine joining NATO would be a ‘red line’. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly indicated that Russia can take aggressive steps on this issue. Given this, major NATO countries are running away from the issue of Ukraine’s membership.

Furthermore, the US expressed fear that if Ukraine is granted membership during the start of the anti-Russian war, this war may turn into a NATO vs Russia war with serious consequences for the whole world. At the same time, Germany has drawn attention to the issue of not having a provision to include the concerned country in NATO if the conflict continues. Hungary has also objected to the inclusion of Ukraine. Considering this, the United States and NATO have started preparations to guarantee security to Ukraine against Russia, just like Israel.

Israel is not a member of NATO and is part of NATO Plus. The US has an independent agreement with that country for the security of Israel. According to this, the US is providing a large amount of defence assistance to Israel. This assistance will continue to be provided for ten years, and the period of this agreement has been extended every time. The United States has guaranteed Israel’s security. Indications are that NATO member countries will take responsibility for Ukraine’s security just like Israel and provide arms to Kyiv. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz has supported it. Chancellor Scholz has stated that the ‘Israel model’ can play an important role in providing defence assistance to Ukraine. The United Kingdom is also said to have given positive indications on the proposal of the Israel model.

Meanwhile, a major stumbling block in Sweden’s bid to get NATO membership has been removed. On Monday, Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan approved Sweden’s inclusion at a special meeting by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kirsten was also present on the occasion. The NATO chief said at the event that this moment of approval by Turkey is historic. US President Joe Biden has also praised Turkey’s decision.