The Vilnius NATO Summit decision which de facto tied Ukraine’s invitation to NATO to the end of the war disappointed but not discouraged Ukrainians from seeking NATO membership in the future. The Washington NATO summit, taking place in July 2024 and marking the 75th anniversary of the Alliance, is being viewed in Ukraine as an opportunity to bring the issue of the irreversibility of Ukraine’s membership in NATO to the forefront, rather than just another verbal exercise. Here in Ukraine, we are deeply convinced that inviting Ukraine into NATO is not only in the interests of Ukraine, but also the US and especially Europe. Here are some explanations why.

Because Europe is interested in ending the war and focusing more on other urgent (and peaceful) priorities. The war can never truly end until Ukraine is in NATO – be it immediately or gradually. Europe’s reluctance to accept Ukraine is a signal to Putin that his policy of invading sovereign countries, occupying their territories, and thereby preventing them from entering NATO is successful, and that it should be continued.

Because NATO membership is the cheapest way to make Ukraine secure and prevent future aggressions. Everyone worried about “endless” financial support for Ukraine’s security and defense should be interested in a Ukrainian NATO member that  would not require permanent and massive financial packages. What is needed is a single bold political decision.

Because the Ukrainian army could become a European pillar within NATO to help to “take care” of European security, especially considering increasing U.S. involvement in Asia. Strong, sizable, combat-hardened, and trained by NATO, the Ukrainian army will significantly enhance NATO’s European component and could become the core of the Alliance’s eastern flank. Thus, in the event of future threats, European allies will be better prepared to defend themselves with less dependency on American involvement.

Because Russia’s imperialistic ambitions continue to be a constant threat to the European continent. The best and the quickest way to put those imperialistic dreams to rest in the minds of Russian leadership and Russian society is to invite Ukraine to join NATO. This is the only way for Russians to realize that neither the Russian Empire nor Soviet Union will ever be restored in any form.

Because Ukraine in NATO is the best security guarantee for a large-scale post-war reconstruction. Ukraine’s invitation to the Alliance is a strong signal to investors considering participating in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction but are kept hesitant by security risks.

Because inviting Ukraine to join NATO will become a powerful signal for millions of Ukrainians who are currently displaced across various European member states, especially in Poland and Germany. There is no security argument stronger than Ukraine’s NATO membership that could convince people to return safely home and plan their future lives in Ukraine.