Ukraine could join NATO in return for ceding territory — alliance official

The New Voice of Ukraine
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NATO added that Ukraine should decide when and on what terms it wants to negotiate.
NATO added that Ukraine should decide when and on what terms it wants to negotiate.

Ukraine could conceivably become a NATO member in exchange for ceding parts of its sovereign territory to Russia, NATO Chief-of-Staff Stian Jenssen said on Aug. 15, as reported by Norwegian outlet Verdens Gang.

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"I think that a solution could be for Ukraine to give up territory, and get NATO membership in return," said Jenssen.

He emphasized, however, that Ukraine alone should decide when and under what conditions it wants to negotiate. He noted significant changes regarding Ukraine's potential future NATO membership. According to him, allies are interested in preventing a repeat of the current war.

"Russia is facing tremendous military difficulties, and it seems unrealistic that they can capture new territories," he added, suggesting that Ukraine might be able to reclaim more of its territory from Russian occupation.

"I'm not saying it should happen this way. But it could be a possible solution."

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The comments provoked a rebuke from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, calling this kind of “territory for membership” compromises “unacceptable.”

“We have always presumed that neither the alliance, nor Ukraine would trade territories,” said ministerial spokesman Oleg Nikolenko.

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“The conscious or unconscious participation of NATO officials in forming the narrative about the possibility of Ukraine renouncing its territories plays into Russia's hands. In the interest of Euro-Atlantic security, we should discuss ways of accelerating Ukraine’s victory and attaining its full membership in NATO.”

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