Former NATO Secretary General Explains Why Ukraine Must Decide Its Future Sovereignly Without Putin’s Interference
In light of current geopolitical challenges, former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized Ukraine’s right to independently determine its future partnerships in a recent interview with DW.
He underscored that discussing Ukraine’s membership in NATO with figures like Vladimir Putin is not only unethical but also dangerous for Ukraine’s prospects to make its own sovereign choice.
Rasmussen stated that NATO should never, under any circumstances, negotiate this matter with Russia, as the decision regarding Ukraine’s accession must be made solely by Ukraine itself, in cooperation with NATO, based on principles of equality and sovereignty.He reiterated that NATO membership remains the most effective and efficient way to guarantee Ukraine’s security.
The ideal scenario, he suggests, would be to swiftly provide Ukraine with security guarantees that closely resemble those outlined in Article 5 of NATO’s treaty, which stipulates collective defense.
Rasmussen advocates for the deployment of European troops supported by the US in Ukraine to offer military backing, intelligence sharing, air defense, and logistical support.”Every country has the right to decide independently which alliance to join.
This is Ukraine’s sovereign right.
Putin and Russia have no veto power over this decision, as it should be determined solely by Ukraine and NATO,” Rasmussen emphasized.
Protecting Ukraine’s ability to make its own decisions and resisting external political pressure, especially from Russia, remains essential.Previously, NATO declared that Ukraine’s accession is a matter of sovereign will, and the “Coalition of the Willing” was formed to oppose Russia’s veto rights and allow member states to determine their future autonomously.