Opinion > Columns
Was Zelenskyy fooled and used? Lessons for PH

THE recent statement by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, asserting that 'Ukraine was never promised a membership in NATO,' has sparked controversy, particularly amid the Russia-Ukraine war. This comment reflects the ongoing debate about NATO's eastward expansion, with Ukraine's aspirations for membership being a core issue. For years, Russia has considered NATO's expansion into its sphere of influence, particularly the inclusion of Ukraine, a 'red line.'

NATO's open-door policy has been a key source of friction in Europe, especially since the onset of the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 2022. Ukraine has consistently sought NATO membership as a safeguard against the so-called Russian aggression, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials framing it as vital for their national security.