(MENAFN) Former United States Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, recently shared his evolving perspective on the prospect of NATO membership for Ukraine. In a Wall Street Journal interview recorded shortly before his 100th birthday, Kissinger discussed how his views shifted over time, particularly after witnessing the influx of Western military aid that transformed Ukraine into the most heavily armed country in its region.
Reflecting on the past, Kissinger acknowledged that he was once a vocal opponent of Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations back in 2008 when the bloc first acknowledged Kiev's desire to join. However, he noted that the landscape has significantly changed, and he now finds himself in the minority for advocating Ukraine's inclusion in NATO.
Kissinger argued that offering Ukraine NATO membership was a serious mistake that ultimately contributed to the ongoing conflict in the region. He recognized the unique nature of the conflict, attributing it to Russian involvement, and expressed his firm belief that it was crucial for the international community to resist Russian aggression.
However, Kissinger emphasized that given the significant military assistance provided by Washington and its allies, Ukraine now stands as the best-armed country in Europe. Consequently, he contended that Ukraine's integration into the United States-led military alliance is now an undeniable reality. Kissinger reiterated his strong conviction that peace in Europe cannot be achieved without Ukraine's membership in NATO.
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