Speak Up: Should Ukraine be part of NATO?

NATO wrapped up its annual summit without extending to Ukraine an invitation to join, a divisive issue for this year’s meeting. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared his disappointment in the outcome, yet recognized the “significant security victory” of extended G-7 commitments. What would be the benefits or disadvantages of Ukraine joining NATO?

• Although I sympathize with the Ukrainian people for the unprovoked attacks and the loss of life they are enduring because of Russia’s aggression, I am not willing to see our own American men and women put into harm’s way, which they will surely be in a short while, should NATO admit Ukraine now. Remember, an attack on one NATO country is an attack on all NATO members, and they all would be duty bound to fight and defend by using troops. Allowing Ukraine in might have been possible a short time ago, but now, with the alliance between Russia and China ever stronger, Russia would not back down, as some think they still might. You have to ask yourself, whose policies drew our two biggest adversaries closer than ever before? — Dennis Kirkwood
• Only (allow Ukraine’s admittance) after the war that Russia has caused. Doing it while sets the alliance in a bad position. — Howard Gaines III
• Ukraine cannot join NATO until the war is over. If they were to join now, all members of NATO would have to join the war, thus causing a World War. — Stan Sipple
• No to Ukraine joining NATO. Sorry. Enough. Time to fight your own war. — Denise Sloboda Deskiewicz