Czech President: Ukraine Can Join NATO Despite Russian Occupation

Czech President Petr Pavel has suggested that Ukraine could potentially join NATO even if it does not regain full control over all territories currently occupied by Russia. In an interview with Czech newspaper Novinky a Právo, Pavel stated that the establishment of a demarcation line or an administrative border could suffice for Ukraine's NATO membership. He emphasized that such a border could be viewed as temporary, allowing for Ukraine's inclusion in the alliance based on the territory it controls at that time. Pavel, a former NATO general, drew parallels with West Germany, which became a NATO member in 1955 despite the division of the country and the presence of Soviet-controlled East Germany. He noted that NATO accepted West Germany even though part of its territory was under Soviet occupation, suggesting a similar approach could be applied to Ukraine. This historical reference underscores the possibility of accommodating Ukraine within NATO's framework without escalating tensions with Russia. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, with Russia maintaining control over approximately 20 percent of the country, the situation remains complex. While Ukraine has successfully reclaimed some territories since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022, progress in dislodging Russian forces, particularly in the eastern regions, has been slower. Pavel's comments reflect ongoing discussions about NATO's expansion and the geopolitical implications of Ukraine's aspirations for membership amidst the ongoing conflict.