Beneficial for Trump and Kyiv: media explains why Ukraine must become a NATO member.

Ukraine should become a member of the North Atlantic Alliance, as it serves as one of the guarantees for its protection against further attempts by the Russian regime to initiate a new war. Additionally, Ukraine's accession to NATO would bring numerous benefits to the Alliance, to Ukraine, and to U.S. President Donald Trump.

This is highlighted by The Economist. The authors of the article suggest acknowledging that restoring the borders of 1991 is, for Ukraine, currently an unattainable dream. Yes, morally and legally it is Ukrainian territory, but at present, Kyiv lacks the strength to reclaim it.

Therefore, Ukraine must focus on creating conditions for prosperity in the territory it controls. For this, stability and efforts to rebuild the country are essential, and all this is only possible with protection against new aggression from the Russian Federation – and NATO membership should serve as that safeguard. Otherwise, the Alliance risks turning Ukraine into a NATO adversary, an ally of Russia, or in a few years, Russia could seize Ukraine with ease.

"NATO membership will help prevent Ukraine from becoming an unstable, embittered state, vulnerable to manipulation by Putin, whose ultimate goal is destabilization and dominance in Europe. Moreover, the largest, most innovative, and battle-hardened army and defense in Europe would join the alliance. Trump could approve this, as NATO would then require fewer American troops," the article states.

Of course, there are questions regarding Article 5 of the NATO Charter, but solutions do exist, and not just one. For instance, in 1949, Norway joined NATO but prohibited the basing of Alliance forces in the country during peacetime. In 1955, West Germany joined NATO, but NATO's guarantees did not extend to the territory of East Germany, which was occupied by the Soviet Union. Both solutions could be applied to Ukraine's situation.

There is also the issue of support. NATO contains openly pro-Russian members, such as Hungary and Slovakia. Support from all 32 members of the North Atlantic Alliance is necessary for NATO membership. However, ultimately, if there is a will, this issue can also be navigated.

The publication adds that Vladimir Putin hopes for Ukraine's decline as a result of a peace agreement, as well as a loss of interest from Western countries and the opportunity for Russia to rearm its military, restore its technical capabilities, and attempt to attack again. However, all these plans are dashed by a single solution: Ukraine must join NATO.

"Imagine that with Western support, Ukraine could use a pause to restore its economy, update its political system, and deter Russian aggression. The goal is for this optimistic scenario to prevail over its grim alternative," the authors concluded.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported that Ukraine would like to receive an invitation to join NATO. This should happen before Joe Biden leaves the White House, asserting that it would be a worthy legacy for the U.S. president.

Additionally, "Telegraph" previously reported that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan mentioned when Ukraine might become a NATO member. He also reminded of the U.S. position expressed at the NATO summit in Washington: Ukraine's place and future is in the Alliance.