**US Opposition to Ukraine’s NATO Membership Satisfies Russia**
In a recent statement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov revealed that the US ruling out Ukraine’s membership in NATO aligns with Russia’s views. This news comes as no surprise, given the Trump administration’s repeated opposition to Ukraine joining the alliance.
Peskov stated that this development “satisfies us” and aligns with Moscow’s position that Ukraine should not be a NATO member. This statement is significant, as it highlights the close alignment between US and Russian views on this issue.
The news of US opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership was first reported by The Wall Street Journal earlier in the week. According to the report, a ban on Kyiv joining the alliance was part of a ceasefire proposal presented by US officials to Ukraine during Paris talks last week.
This move has significant implications for Ukraine, as it undermines the country’s efforts to join the alliance. Ukraine applied for NATO membership in September 2022, months after the outbreak of the full-scale war with Russia.
The US special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, recently stated that “NATO isn’t on the table” when discussing potential peace deals with Russia. This statement further solidifies the US position on this issue and suggests that any future peace talks will not include Ukrainian accession to NATO.
**Russia’s Annexation of Crimea: A Potential Peace Deal Component**
The Wall Street Journal also reported that the US recognizing the Russian annexation of Crimea could potentially be part of a peace deal. This proposal has been met with rejection by Ukraine, which has consistently maintained that it will not recognize Russian occupation in any peace agreement.
**Ukraine Rejects Restrictions on NATO Membership**
In 2022, Ukraine rejected restrictions on joining international alliances and organizations, including NATO and the EU, as part of a potential peace deal. This move demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to pursuing its goals and aspirations despite the ongoing conflict with Russia.
**NATO Secretary-General: Ukrainian Path to Membership “Irreversible”**
Despite US opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership, the alliance’s secretary-general has stated that Kyiv’s path toward membership remains “irreversible.” However, this development is unlikely to change Russia’s views on the matter.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of the region. One thing is certain: US opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership has satisfied Russia, but at what cost for Ukraine?
