Memo on Ukraine


Memorandum on Ukraine

TO: Mr. Ivo Daalder
FROM: Renée Radavich
DATE: August 1, 2014
RE: Russia’s Aggression Towards Ukraine


Introduction

On February 20, 2014, Russia troops entered the Crimea region and took control, claiming the land rightfully belonged to them. As of now, the United States and NATO have been silent on the matter. Although Ukraine is not a member of NATO, they have aided in multiple missions. The world is now watching the United States and NATO to see what our response will be. I propose one action that I believe is in the best interest of our nation. We must persuade France and Germany to allow Ukraine to enter NATO. Doing so will force Russia to stop their aggression towards Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Bouts with NATO

Ukraine’s commitment towards NATO officially began on July 9, 1997, with the signing of the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Since then, Ukraine has continuously acted in ways that favored NATO, even sending troops to Afghanistan and Kosovo.  
In 2008, Ukraine applied to become a member of NATO. However, they were declined admission because of French and German opposition. When a Russia-backed candidate, Viktor Yanukovych, won the presidential election, Ukraine’s hopes of joining NATO has disappeared. Now, with Yanukovych out of power and Russia’s increased hostility towards Ukraine, Ukraine’s application for admittance to NATO must be reevaluated.

Why Ukraine Should be Accepted in NATO

I am aware that any country would be wary of admitting a country who is under attack, due to Article V. However, by not allowing Ukraine into NATO, it:
1.     Sets a precedent for Russia that will make them believe that any non-NATO member is up for grabs.   
2.     Shows weakness in the United States and NATO members in its ability to produce liberal peace.
a.     The United States is supposed to be the lone superpower in this world. However, Russia is making a mockery out of us by freely taking land that they claim is theirs. Our idleness is just empowering Russia to take even more drastic measures in the future.
On the other hand, allowing Ukraine membership into NATO will:
1.     Solidify to the rest of the world that the United States and NATO’s are committed to collective security and do not tolerate aggression.
2.     Force Russia to withdraw from Ukraine and stop their hostile behavior.
The United States cannot continue to allow Russia’s actions in Ukraine to go uncontested. Bringing Ukraine into NATO is the best option at the moment for us.

Where to go from here

Right now, what stands in the way of Ukraine becoming a member of NATO is Germany and France. I urge you to everything in your power to persuade French and German members to take the risk on Ukraine and allow them into NATO. Russia’s actions cannot continue to be unchallenged by an organization supposedly committed to peace. I understand that the situation is not ideal in Ukraine, but that is the fault of the Russians, not the Ukrainians. We cannot leave a loyal comrade to fend for themselves. France and Germany’s opinion on allowing Ukraine into NATO must be changed.


Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 19, 2018 at 1:12 PM

    Great job Renee, I think this memo for the acceptance of Ukraine into NATO is great. I think the arguments for Ukraine to be in NATO are developed well. As for France and Germany's opinion on NATO, this could be elaborated more. Also, I am not sure that taking pieces of land in countries does not make Russia a contender for a world super power and I wouldn't say that they take this land freely. Overall, I agree with this decision and think this memo is well worked.

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