REUTERS reports that North Atlantic Treaty Organization (“NATO”) Chief Jens Stoltenberg has made it clear that Russia cannot stop Ukraine from becoming a NATO member, but that there are disagreements between member countries over the timeline for Ukraine’s membership as the upcoming mid-July summit in Vilnius, Lithuania approaches.
Stoltenberg recently stated during a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in Oslo, Norway that “we are moving, allies agree that Ukraine will become a member.”
The REUTERS report may be read HERE.
BACKGROUND: NATO (AKA: North Atlantic Alliance) was founded in the aftermath of WWII, with the purpose of securing peace in Europe by promoting cooperation among its members and to guard their freedom – all of this in the context of countering the threat posed by the former Soviet Union. NATO’s founding treaty was signed in Washington in 1949 by a dozen European and North American countries, committing the allies to democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law, as well as to peaceful resolution of disputes. Critically, the treaty established the idea of “collective defense” so that an attack against one ally is considered to be an attack against all of the allies.
My brothers and sisters, reasonable minds may disagree regarding the wisdom of accepting Ukraine into NATO, and the timing and circumstances of it all; however, the fact that the country is already at war and that Russia would view Ukraine’s membership as an aggression and security risk – let alone a poke in the eye – is clearly the major sticking point.
That said, what our former cold war and murderous enemy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, thinks should not determine or prevent necessary United States or NATO policy and associations. NATO agreed 14(+) years ago to allow Ukraine to join the alliance, but during the years of inaction, the country has been invaded twice now by the primary country NATO was established to protect free nations against!
This writer is not suggesting that the current United States (“US”) administration is performing Ukraine foreign policy perfectly or even well, but the US needs to never forget who the real enemy is in this situation – it’s Russia. Nor should we forget the blood, sweat, tears, lost lives, money and prayers over the years seeking to prevent dictatorial, murderous, communist leaders like President Putin from overrunning free nations. Do you remember the end of WWII and the actions of the former Soviet Union as it divided Germany?
Let’s continue to pray for God’s will to be done in this matter. Father, we ask You for freedom, protection and favor for all Ukrainians, wisdom for all of the world’s political and military leaders, protection and a quick end to hostilities for all of the fighting troops, and the compassion and comfort only Christ can bring for the parents and family members (whether Ukrainian or Russian) who have lost love ones in this evil war. We ask this in Jesus’ name!
John 8:36 (NKJV)
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
1 Peter 2:15-17 (NKJV)
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!