Latvian PM: Liberated Ukraine must join NATO to prevent another war

Ukraine after the end of the war should become a member of NATO with all the ensuing security guarantees. This will help prevent a new war of the Russian Federation against neighboring countries.

According to the Financial Times, this was stated by Prime Minister of Latvia Krisjanis Karins.

During the fall of 2021 and winter of 2022, the US provided unprecedented intelligence to its western partners regarding the build-up of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border (“The west must give Ukraine what it needs”, Opinion, March 1). In Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland, we took this very seriously. Indeed, we began to provide military aid to Ukraine before the vicious February Russian onslaught began. Stinger missiles from Latvia were among the weapons used by the Ukrainians in the first days of fighting to repel the Russian attacks on Kyiv’s airport. Since that time, all other European and NATO allies have been providing arms and munitions so that Ukraine can not only defend itself, but liberate its territory.

But now is the time to plan for the future. Once hostilities end, what will Ukraine’s place be in Europe? What is our “exit plan” for peace and security in Europe?

During this year, even if hostilities are still continuing, we must formally open up EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. This is necessary for three reasons: first, because this will help to strengthen the morale and resolve of the Ukrainian army and people to not give in to Russian aggression. Second, the opening of negotiations will strengthen the purpose and pace of necessary reforms which Ukraine, just as any other candidate country, must go through to become eligible to join the EU. And third, the result of a successful EU bid by Ukraine will add necessary vigour and economic potential to our single market. A win all around.

The second club is the NATO security alliance. Of course, while hostilities continue, no one within NATO would seriously consider incorporating Ukraine, since that would immediately bring all of NATO into the war which Russia is waging in Ukraine. But eventually, and with our combined and unwavering support, Ukraine will achieve its goals.

But a victorious Ukraine will still leave a fully intact Russia, with an unchanged imperialistic bent, under an aggressive and autocratic government.

The only option to ensure that Russia can be kept in check is for a liberated Ukraine to fully join the NATO alliance as well, together with all of the implied security guarantees.

These guarantees will be important not only for Ukraine, but for all of Europe. We cannot expect Russia’s leadership to change its course anytime soon. We can, however, ensure that whatever its intentions, it cannot start a new war against its European neighbours.