The question haunting NATO

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the topic of Ukraine has consistently occupied a place in the forums of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Oslo, Norway, from May 31 to June 1, was no exception.

The NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting took place in Oslo, Norway, from May 31 to June 1. (Source: Government.no)

As before, this military bloc faces the dual challenge of maintaining unity in its efforts to support Ukraine, while avoiding direct engagement with Russia. This is no easy task.

Last week, two NATO members, Hungary and Greece, did not approve the 11th round of European sanctions against Russia because they were unhappy that their companies were included on the list of sponsors of the Ukraine conflict and could face sanctions.

Meanwhile, some countries are concerned about supplying Ukraine with modern fighter jets like the F-16. One of the problems is that Ukraine lacks the facilities to maintain these aircraft, requiring NATO personnel to be directly involved, creating the risk of the alliance being drawn into a direct confrontation with Russia.

The issue of Ukraine's accession to NATO is equally problematic. While Eastern European NATO members are loudly demanding that NATO present a roadmap for Ukraine's accession at the summit in Latvia next July, the US and Western European members are only supporting modest steps because the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains uncertain.

It seems that the only less contentious issue is who will replace NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, whose term is about to end. However, some countries want the position to be held by a former prime minister or president to have political influence. Others support the idea that NATO should have a female secretary general. France wants to choose someone suitable for the goal of fostering closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union (EU).

Two days of meetings may be too short to reach a consensus.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cau-hoi-deo-bam-nato-229265.html