Ukraine abandons NATO plans

The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a law on the principles of domestic and foreign policy, which provides for dropping the country’s NATO membership bid and thus officially enshrines Ukraine’s nonaligned status. 

Kiev now intends to integrate into the European and regional collective security systems without joining any military-political alliances. This is not just a claim of preserving independence, but a shift of emphasis, says Director of Kiev’s Institute of Global Strategies Vadim Karasyov. 

Dropping plans to seek a NATO membership implies a break-off with the pro-Western policies Ukraine has been adhering to throughout the entire period of independence. The country’s accession to NATO would signal its West-oriented development plans and the growing distance between Kiev and Moscow. The new law will ensure good-neighborly relations with Russia and future efforts to join the EU in terms of economic partnership. As for its military-political strategy, Ukraine will adhere to the principle of non-alignment, although in fact, it will enter the Russian sphere of influence, says Vadim Karasyov.  

Ukrainian deputies worked deep into the night as they discussed the law they were firmly resolved to adopt on Thursday. Well-articulated positions were needed before the arrival of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is currently on an official visit to Kiev to compare notes with President Victor Yanukovich. 

The adoption of this law was not coincidentally timed for Mrs. Clinton’s arrival, the political analyst says. Victor Yanukovich sought to demonstrate the stability of Ukraine’s neutral line, emphasize the non-NATO ally status, and to make it clear for Russian partners that all this will become the basis for further relationships with Washington. 

Although obviously not pleased with the loss of a potential ally in the post-Soviet space, the US appeared seemingly indifferent to Ukraine’s decision, like it did after Moscow and Kiev signed a treaty on the extended lease of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the Crimea. 

There is every reason to believe that Washington’s policy towards Ukraine will remain balanced and realistic. Kiev is still partially dependent on the US, in view of the International Monetary Fund’s forthcoming loan for the ex-Soviet republic.