Among other issues, one of the key bones of contention that led to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war was the proposed move of Ukraine to become a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
While Ukraine has still not managed to get a seat at the high table where 30-member countries that form part of the NATO sit, the group led by the US and several other influential Western powers wasn’t exactly hiding its glee-full intent to grant Ukraine its wish, even when Russia had been opposing it.
Incidentally, one reason NATO was formed in the aftermath of the Second World War was to counterbalance the influence of and keep the then unified Soviet Union in check.
Had Ukraine, waiting in the wings to be granted membership since 2008, been actually granted the same, yesterday’s attack on it by Russian armed forces would have resulted in military action against Russia by other NATO countries.
However, even in the absence of a full membership, there’s little doubt that NATO was openly supporting Ukraine while tensions with Russia were escalating, promising to intervene effectively in case of an armed conflict.
Nothing has happened except bland statements of condemnation of Russia’s actions. The US, its focus now shifted to the more politically-significant Israel-Palestine war, is also not showing any eagerness to extend more arms and aid to Ukraine.
The bombings are as much due to the actions and words of NATO allies as Russian leadership. But all that NATO has done so far is announce sanctions, including financial ones, most of which Putin and his close advisors would have already anticipated and factored in while planning the attacks.
Barring strong words and promises of concrete assistance, some of which has come in the shape of some arms and weapons’ systems, NATO has more or less left Ukraine to bear the brunt of Russian attack without any intervention.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was not off-the-mark when he observed that NATO reaction had not been decisive.
NATO, it may not be a stretch to suggest, has buckled under the strong pressure and strong-arm tactics of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin has successfully forced NATO into a corner, an embarrassing situation from where, unless it joins the armed conflict, it can’t come out without its reputation unscathed.
As Russian missiles continue to pound Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and Russian soldiers literally standing on the doorsteps of the Ukrainian Parliament, the question that needs to be asked is: Is it time to formally disband NATO?
After all, several NATO members in recent times have suggested taking this route.
In 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron described NATO as “brain dead”.
In interview to The Economist, the French President had accused the US of turning its back on NATO, asserting that European members of NATO couldn’t rely on the US any longer to defend the alliance.
