Letting Ukraine join NATO would cause a war which none of us would survive

This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled the long-awaited 'Victory Plan', aimed at securing a successful end to the war with Russia in Ukraine's favour. His plan included an immediate and formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, the provision of weapons and long-range arms, and calls on Western support for relocating the conflict into Russian territory.

Additionally, Zelensky proposed a non-nuclear strategic deterrent in Ukraine for the birth of a new secure defence environment. He also offered the joint use and protection of Ukraine's vast critical natural resources to the EU and the US, a proposal of particular importance as both entities seek to reduce their dependence on China in the rare earth minerals sector - essential for everyday technologies such as mobile phones and defence systems like fighter jets. Zelensky's also suggested that Ukrainian forces could replace some US troops stationed in Europe, a huge move towards Ukraine playing a leading role in regional stability once the war concludes. The 'Victory Plan' could benefit both Ukraine and its Western partners. A non-nuclear strategic deterrent would strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend against future Russian aggression without fears of nuclear escalation. Additionally, cooperation in the critical minerals sector would not only bolster Ukraine's economic security but reduce Western dependence on China and prevent the Chinese Communist Party exploiting future reconstruction of Ukraine's post-war recovery. However, NATO membership remains elusive for Ukraine, and at present, for good reasons. Perhaps most obviously, Ukraine does not meet the criteria to join the Alliance. While the war struck nation is and will continue to be an ally to the West, corruption remains endemic, and the country is far from being a fully developed democracy - as evidenced by its classification as a 'hybrid regime' in the Economist Democracy Index. Lowering the standards to admit Ukraine would set a dangerous precedent and risk undermining NATO membership altogether. Second, and most importantly, until the war is over, territorial disputes are settled, and a peace agreement is signed and honoured, inviting Ukraine to join NATO would, at best, be an empty gesture with no real effect, and at worst, could trigger an open conflict between NATO and Russia - a scenario from which none of us would live to tell the tale.For now, Ukraine should focus on ending the war as swiftly as possible, and the West should continue to offer support - but within limits, with NATO membership being the clear boundary.