Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought Nato to the forefront, with the group condemning Vladimir Putin’s actions “in the strongest possible” terms.
The Russian President vehemently opposes Nato’s expansion to include Ukraine, and has demanded a formal veto on it ever becoming a member.
He has made clear that he sees the country’s aspirations to join the group as a threat to Russia’s borders and its sphere of influence.
But what exactly is Nato, and why is Ukraine’s membership of the group such a key topic? Here’s everything you need to know.
What does Nato mean?
Nato stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and is also known as the North Atlantic Alliance.
It was founded in April 1949, with the purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. Its headquarters are in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
Politically, it aims to promote democratic values, and enables members to consult and co-operate on defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict.
Regarding military action, Nato says it is “committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes”, but has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations if diplomatic efforts fail.
It uses a system of collective security, whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. It may also ally with external forces.
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Which countries are members of Nato?
Nato says its membership is open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles” of its treaty and to “contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area”.
Here are the 30 countries that are currently members, along with the year they joined:
- Albania (2009)
- Belgium (1949)
- Bulgaria (2004)
- Canada (1949)
- Croatia (2009)
- Czech Republic (1999)
- Denmark (1949)
- Estonia (2004)
- France (1949)
- Germany (1955)
- Greece (1952)
- Hungary (1999)
- Iceland (1949)
- Italy (1949)
- Latvia (2004)
- Lithuania (2004)
- Luxembourg (1949)
- Montenegro (2017)
- Netherlands (1949)
- North Macedonia (2020)
- Norway (1949)
- Poland (1999)
- Portugal (1949)
- Romania (2004)
- Slovakia (2004)
- Slovenia (2004)
- Spain (1982)
- Turkey (1952)
- United Kingdom (1949)
- United States (1949)
How do countries join Nato?
Nato says its membership is open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles” of its treaty and to “contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area”.
Countries who wish to join Nato must follow a membership action plan – an application process that involves outlining security and political policies.
The membership action plan helps “aspiring members prepare for membership and meet key requirements by providing practical advice and targeted assistance”.
However, it can take a while – North Macedonia was seeking admittance for 20 years before it finally became a Nato member in 2020.
Why isn’t Ukraine a member of Nato?
Ukraine is applying to become a Nato member, but it is yet to be formally admitted. However, it is one of the body’s “enhanced opportunity partners”.
This status is afforded to non-member nations that have “made significant contributions to Nato-led operations and missions”, such as Australia and Sweden.
Given Ukraine’s current instability, Nato membership will not happen any time soon.
A new country has to be unanimously approved by Nato members and factors taken into account will include, among others, “unresolved external territorial disputes”.
In 1997, Nato established a Ukraine-Nato commission, which allowed for discussion on security issues and enabled the furthering of the Nato-Ukraine relationship without a formal membership agreement.
Alastair Kocho-Williams, professor of history at Clarkson University in the US, says Nato membership would “significantly increase Ukraine’s international military backing, allowing for Nato military action within Ukraine and alongside members of its military”.
Although Nato has no commitment to deploy troops to a non-member country, it has sent forces to neighbouring countries and publicly backed Ukraine.
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism