Ukrainian Diplomat: Without NATO Membership, Article Five of the Treaty Remains an Empty Clause
Ukraine cannot rely on protection under Article Five of the Washington Treaty without joining NATO, as stated by renowned Ukrainian diplomat Valeriy Chaly.
After recent statements by Donald Trump about the possibility of providing Ukraine with security similar to that of Article Five of the Washington Treaty, many discussions have arisen. However, Valeriy Chaly noted that the effectiveness of Article Five is possible only under the condition of full NATO membership. It, like other articles of contractual obligations, does not operate without the conclusion and ratification of the relevant treaty between Ukraine and NATO member countries.
A similar situation is observed with the European Union agreement. Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union, which provides for collective defense in case of aggression, can be used by Ukraine only after joining the EU.
In Chaly’s opinion, bilateral security guarantees can be effective only after the signing and ratification of a treaty between Ukraine and the United States, which would provide for US intervention in case of a threat to Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He urges caution and advises against relying on past experiences with the Budapest Memorandum, which proved insufficient for Ukraine’s security guarantees.
