Our column, Public Forum, is already in its third year. There is a new major issue on agenda that needs to be discussed. On May 23, 2002 Ukraine officially announced that it seeks NATO membership. For Brussels this proved somewhat unexpected. While both sides have sought a closer relationship, neither had mentioned membership before. That Ukraine and NATO are moving toward each other is not even questioned today. The alliance had already realized full well that Kyiv would decide to seek membership, although nobody could tell when and under what conditions Ukraine would announce its foreign policy priorities. Kyiv has earned praise from the alliance for the progress of its defense reform and contribution of the Ukrainian military to peacekeeping efforts. While both Kyiv and Brussels avoid discussing any specific dates for Ukraine’s expected accession, NATO officials confirm that the open door policy will continue, which gives Ukraine hope of eventual membership. Much depends on how Kyiv honors its obligations under the Ukraine-NATO Action Plan and annual target plans. However, not everything depends solely on a positive decision by the alliance or Kyiv’s commendable efforts, since Ukrainian citizens themselves will have the final say. Much has been said about the downsides of Euro-Atlantic integration ever since the alliance was created. Far less has been said about the benefits. For this reason The Day and “Territory of Defense” television program aired every Sunday by UT-1 television have launched a competition among Ukrainian young people under the auspices of the NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine. Competitors are required to write an essay on why you want your country to join NATO. Winners will visit NATO Headquarters in Brussels this October. We are waiting for your letters at 04212 Ukraine, Kyiv-212, vul. Marshala Tymoshenka, 2L, or at [email protected] and [email protected]. Please include brief information about yourself.
PROS WITHOUT CONS
Kyrylo HRYNKO, vice sergeant at the Ivan Bohun Kyiv Military Lyceum:
I DO NOT WANT:
— one of the world’s most respected professions, that of defender of the homeland, to remain one of the least prestigious in Ukraine, nor do I want bizarre romantics or people unwanted anywhere else to join the military;
— society to continue to treat the military as a dangerous collection of half-trained incompetents who fire missiles at civilian installations and can’t handle contemporary weapons;
— the army to be made up of poorly trained and physically weak servicemen who cannot endure the hardships of this difficult profession;
— our officers to look away in shame and try to make money on the side, because they are unable to bear the silent reproaches or even bitter insults from their wives and children.
I WANT UKRAINE TO JOIN NATO BECAUSE:
— this envisions a high level of social security for all social strata. Only in this way can we ensure political and economic stability in the country. Our officials would be forced to switch all levers of power from further distribution of the nation’s wealth among individual corrupt and criminal formations to care about their own people;
— this requires every Ukrainian and the political elite in particular to overcome the psychological and historical barrier that has formed over the many years of Ukraine’s semi-colonial existence within the Russian state. Perhaps this is the hardest step on the road to NATO, as it requires us to embrace democratic European values and implement them in our daily lives;
— this means a new way of thinking and new realities, when the national values become harmoniously combined with the values common to the whole world.
All this is encouraged by NATO — not a brother, patron, leader, father of the peoples, or Uncle Sam, but a commonwealth of partners, which ensures its every member an adequate level of national security and prevents possible conflicts. This is why I am for a contemporary common European choice of security. I am for NATO.
“NATO MEANS MUTUAL ASSISTANCE”
Ruslan CHAIKA, student of the Ostroh Academy National University:
A new international system is being formed in the early twenty-first century. Without doubt, to take its rightful place in today’s system of international relations Ukraine must pay special attention precisely to its foreign policy. In terms of regional security, cooperation between Ukraine and NATO is crucial as one of the key factors of stability in Central and Eastern Europe. In terms of multilateral cooperation, the joint participation by Ukraine and NATO in the Council of Euro- Atlantic Partnership, Partnership for Peace Program, and peacekeeping efforts in Northeastern Europe, in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo has become a major factor of growing confidence in the region. Participation in joint military exercises enhances the defense capacity and combat-readiness of Ukraine’s military. In more global terms, military and political cooperation with NATO increases Ukraine’s level of national security, thus making it possible to cut defense spending under difficult financial conditions. Under current conditions, the development of comprehensive cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization becomes one of the key factors of Ukraine’s joining the world community as a full member, along with its growing international prestige as an important component of the European system of security and defense. In view of this, I want my country to join NATO.
Oleksiy POBEREZHNY, Berdychiv, Zhytomyr oblast:
In our dynamic epoch of globalization, the wrong actions or inaction by the state could result in our loss of independence. Every country must quickly meet the challenges of the day, one such challenge being the threat of terrorism. Thus, under the current political conditions there is safety in numbers. Only associations of developed countries that enjoy equal rights under the flag of democracy can succeed. The Paris Summit decision to form rapid deployment forces has turned NATO from an essentially defensive into global security structure capable of countering terrorists. Fighting terrorism is the major task for Europe and the whole civilized world. Ukraine identifies itself with Europe. For years our democratic forces have upheld Ukraine’s European choice, understanding that this is the shortest way to democracy and the well-being of our citizens. NATO is treated as an essentially military bloc, but this is only the first impression. The Euro- Atlantic alliance provides mutual assistance in the event of natural calamities, the best example being the elimination of the consequences of flooding in Zakarpattia, protection of human rights, and promotion of democratic principles and free speech in particular. My firm belief is that as the Ukrainian military approaches NATO standards the main thesis will be that quality comes before quantity as far as combat-readiness is concerned.
According to historian Anastasius the Great, “in the year 1000, Roman envoys arrived with a crown for Volodymyr, a brother-in-law of then Emperor of the West Otto III (who reigned as Holy Roman Emperor 986-1002 —Ed.),” which is evidence of close political, religious (Volodymyr baptized Kyivan Rus’ in 998), and familial ties with Europe of the time. Thus, Ukraine’s accession to NATO and the EU would mean Ukraine’s return to its European home.
In the past four years more and more Ukrainians have begun to view NATO positively. It is time for Ukrainians to show their unfailing support for the values of the Euro-Atlantic community and democratic transformations. Ukraine has no right to remain a country of lost opportunities. I hope that newly-appointed NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer will actively assist Ukraine in its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
A STEP TOWARD STABILITY AND PROSPERITY
Nazar VOLOSHYN, student, Lviv:
Above all, Ukraine’s accession to NATO means protection of the national interests of the Ukrainian state and society. First, this means countless international, economic, and social ties, which would help our country recover from its current state of ruin. This would be a great political achievement. Second, this is a step toward stability, prosperity, and a bright future. Third, with NATO’s help, attitudes toward Ukraine would change. This would help Ukraine create a real professional army. If every citizen works toward this goal, our country would become stable, civilized, prosperous, and we would be proud to be its citizens. Ukraine would earn respect as a real European state.
Ihor MYKOLASHCHUK, student, Ivano-Frankivsk oblast
After independence our young country has faced the choice of whether to actively participate in international politics or remain on its sidelines as a backward Third World nation. The latter option is not very attractive, and thus we must opt for the former. To this end, Ukraine must establish a close relationship with NATO and become its member.
With the end of the Cold War the alignment of forces in the international arena has changed dramatically. As the Warsaw Pact dissolved, NATO has emerged victorious from this confrontation, confirmed its viability, and become even more powerful and influential. NATO continues its more active involvement in peacekeeping efforts. Today’s number one enemy is international terrorism, from which no one country can be completely safe. This is a major reason why Ukraine should join NATO. As an alliance member, Ukraine would not only acquire practical experience but also enhance its national security, which means increasing protection against internal or external threats to the fundamental interests of the person, state, society, of our state borders, and territorial integrity.
Ukraine would be able to learn from NATO new methods of managing its military, along with the strategy and tactics of ensuring national security. It could raise its standards to the international level and receive assistance from alliance members in developing its army.
Ukraine’s accession to NATO would make it possible to create adequate legislation that would in turn help solve problems in the defense, political, and economic spheres. Support from NATO would allow us to streamline our logistics, which envisions using adequate force and resources in the right place and the right time.
Yet no action can be unilateral. Thus we need to determine what Ukraine could contribute to the alliance. Above all, it could offer its intellectual potential and specialists. As a NATO member Ukraine could counter new threats to stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe.
THE MOST EFFECTIVE UNION OF DEMOCRACIES
Bohdan HORDIYCHUK, 15, Pohrebyshche, Vinnytsia oblast:
With the Cold War long over, NATO’s role in the world has changed. Ukraine as a young European state has achieved a certain success in its foreign policy, but its next move should be full NATO membership.
My country needs this, because it wants to develop, grow, rise to the level of Europe’s leading nations, and make its voice heard in the international chorus. Only after joining such a powerful organization will Ukraine stop feeling inferior. Ukraine’s rich historical experience would contribute to making major international decisions.
Our immediate neighbors Poland and Hungary are already NATO members. Closer cooperation with these countries in the military sphere would promote economic ties and probably speed reforms in Ukraine. Our country would participate more actively in controlling armament and disarmament processes. Moreover, it would no longer be a so-called transit zone for contraband and drug trafficking.
Being a non-nuclear state, Ukraine needs guarantees of its security and territorial integrity. NATO membership would become such a guarantee.
Unfortunately, the average Ukrainian does not fully understand the role of this partnership, because the attitude toward NATO as a threat still lingers from the Soviet period. Although Ukraine is yet to meet Western standards, we should aspire to join the most effective union of developed democratic nations, which NATO is.
V. ABEL, teacher of pre-service military training for young people, Bila Tserkva:
The collapse of the USSR, unification of Germany, disintegration of Yugoslavia, dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, and appearance of several sovereign states in Europe have ended the military and political confrontation between two systems. Now the military concept of NATO is aimed at protecting peace, order, and promoting democratic processes throughout Europe. The threat of nuclear world war has been supplanted on the agenda by the threat of local military conflicts and manifestations of separatism (Chechnya, Ulster, the Basque Country, Kosovo, Cyprus, Turkish Kurdistan, etc.). Some nations make territorial claims on their neighbors. Recent years have seen an upsurge of international terrorism, which is spreading farther into Europe.
Thus, NATO faces new challenges to preserve peace and stability in Europe. The documents recently adopted in Brussels are evidence that NATO is transforming itself into an instrument of common European security.
Only individual political circles in Russia and Ukraine continue to insist that NATO was and remains an aggressive bloc and a potential threat to Russia and Ukraine.
The weekly televised program “Territory of Security” attempts to debunk these old stereotypes about the NATO of today. But this is not enough. Government bodies at all levels do almost nothing to help the public form an opinion about Ukraine’s accession to NATO. All you hear from many in Ukraine’s leadership are only declarative statements and empty phraseology about the need to join the alliance. This issue is not approached in a concrete and decisive manner.
Russia is doing and will do everything to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and the EU, because this runs counter to its geopolitical interests. Ukraine’s military doctrine of 1993 is defensive in nature. It requires ensuring a reasonable defense capacity that would guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and protection from political and economic pressure, above all from Russia. Ukraine’s full membership in NATO alone can bring Ukraine peace, stability, and international prestige. This is why I want my country to join NATO.
A major role in propagating Ukraine’s accession to NATO should be played by teachers of pre-conscription military training in high schools, lyceums, and gymnasiums. It is in military training classes that our young people should be explained that NATO is above all a political union that will never allow anybody to talk to its members from the position of force, blackmail, or political and economic pressure.
COLLECTIVE GUARANTEE
V. MYZYNKO, 32, Kramatorsk, Donetsk oblast:
By opting for Euro-Atlantic integration we express our desire to become participants of the most effective system of collective security. It is common knowledge that NATO guarantees the security of the EU. For years we had been forced to believe that NATO is a threat, and a negative attitude toward it lingers among the older generation. At its current stage of development Ukraine simply has to join NATO for the following reasons:
1. This would guarantee Ukraine’s territorial integrity;
2. Ukraine would no longer be a buffer zone between the EU and Russia;
3. This would speed Ukraine’s EU accession;
4. This would create the military and economic conditions for broader cooperation with the major European countries;
5. Collective security would make is possible to cut defense spending by maintaining a smaller army;
6. Professional soldiers working on contract basis would replace conscripts;
7. Ukraine would enhance its international image as a powerful country, which is important.
Vasyl HERASYMCHUK, [email protected]:
As we know, NATO has been initially created to counter possible aggression from the countries of the socialist camp and above all from the Soviet Union as well as to prevent the export of a socialist revolution to the West. But the USSR has collapsed, and the Cold War is over. Then why is NATO needed? Yesterday world peace was threatened by Nazism and Communism; today it is threatened by international terrorism. The alliance is a major force to maintain peace and security not only in Europe, but everywhere on earth. For this reason NATO must counter this new threat.
What does Ukraine have to do with this? After all our country has declared its non-bloc status. Ukraine’s territory has been always coveted by its neighbors. These problems remain, evidence of which is the recent Tuzla controversy over the Russian dam. This was not only an unfriendly act, but a manifestation of disrespect for Ukraine as an independent state. By signing the memorandum of security guarantees for Ukraine, Russia along with other nuclear states pledged to protect and not violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. But the notion of guarantee and that of Russian imperial chauvinism are incompatible. Poland was given guarantees of security against the threat of the Third Reich by Great Britain and France, but they proved ineffective. Guarantees of security must not be merely formal but have a practical character. Most people are inclined to deny the potential threat from Russia. But we all know that this country has political forces that, to put it mildly, would not mind annexing the Crimea to the Russian Federation. NATO membership would guarantee Ukraine peace and security, although there can never be absolute security. NATO membership would bring Ukraine closer to the West, to joining the EU, and broaden the possibilities for Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO members not only in military but also in the economic and political spheres. NATO membership would enable Ukraine to reform its military into a professional army and discard the obsolete and ineffective practice of the draft. Finally, Ukraine’s voice would be heeded in the international arena. Ukraine must not remain on the sidelines of world events but play its part in solving international conflicts. NATO membership broadens the range of such opportunities.
This is why I want Ukraine to join NATO. Then it would be able to ensure peace and security on its territory and to become a powerful and influential state.
Oleh PUIDA, Ivano-Frankivsk:
I’m a young man. I live, work, raise, and educate my children in the best country in Europe’s center, Ukraine. It matters to me what place Ukraine will occupy in the international arena in the new millennium. Ukraine needs to join NATO as soon as possible simply because almost all countries with which we share borders are already alliance members. Even countries that trail behind us in economic terms are joining this organization. When abroad I often see the different attitudes of Western Europeans toward Ukrainians and those toward Czechs, Poles, and Romanians. I don’t want things to remain like this. We must hurry to jump on the last wagon of the Brussels- bound train. We must align ourselves with Europe, because this is our future.
Oleksandr DREBUSHCHAK, Oleksandrivka, Vinnytsia oblast:
A new better future for Ukraine requires fundamental changes. These changes can happen with Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Is it worthwhile for Ukraine to join the alliance? Absolutely. A strong army can be considered such if it not only can do but is doing something. By contributing to peacekeeping efforts our servicemen have proven that they are true professionals. This is what all of Ukraine’s Armed Forces should be like. This is what our country aspires to in its movement toward NATO. Even the recent Tuzla affair has shown that it makes sense to join the alliance. NATO stands for efficiency, experience, and additional guarantees. I would like Ukraine to be known in the world not for Chornobyl but for a powerful army that can protect its homeland from any possible enemy.
