Will Ukraine soon join NATO?

[pjohns]

Russia has attempted to discourage Ukraine from joining NATO; and President Obama has shown no special interest in Ukraine's joining NATO, either, as a negative response from Russia would force the president's hand on this matter.  But it now seems possible that Ukraine will bid for NATO membership, anyway; and not so much in spite of the fact that Russia strenuously objects to it, but rather, because of the fact that Russia strenuously objects to it.

Ukraine's parliament has now voted to end its official "nonaligned" status.  And this may be just a prelude to its seeking NATO membership:  http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/12/23/ukraine-abandons-nonaligned-status-possibly-step-toward-seeking-nato-membership/

Comments?

[aligncare]

Well, if nothing else, maybe this move on the part of Ukraine will help put an end to the silly habit people have of saying "the" Ukraine in reference to that country.  We don't say "the" Pennsylvania or "the" Texas, why should we say "the" Ukraine?

There. Got that off my chest.

[EC]

They'll bid for membership.

Whether they get it or not is problematic. Two years ago, sure, they'd have be in before the application had fully landed on the desk. Now, with them in a brush war with Russia that would pull NATO countries in automatically? I doubt it.

[pjohns]

They'll bid for membership.

Whether they get it or not is problematic. Two years ago, sure, they'd have be in before the application had fully landed on the desk. Now, with them in a brush war with Russia that would pull NATO countries in automatically? I doubt it.

You may be correct in your analysis.

Still, I would contend that the US and its NATO allies--like Ukraine itself--should be all the more eager to give Ukraine NATO membership, precisely because of Russia's strenuous opposition to it.