Ukraine war latest: Russia says ceasefire alone can’t end war; Macron warns world not to abandon Ukraine to focus on Asia | World News

Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine has been making headlines today by saying he understands Russia’s reluctance to see NATO expand (see 11.24 post).

Here’s a reminder of the background to the alliance:

Origins and Article 5

NATO – the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation – was formed in Washington DC in 1949 with the primary purpose of blocking expansion in Europe by the former Soviet Union.

It was set up by 12 countries but now has 32 members.

At the heart of the defence alliance is Article 5. This states that an armed attack against one member shall be considered an attack against them all. 

NATO does not have its own armed forces but each member contributes forces and equipment to specific operations or exercises.

Why isn’t Ukraine a member?

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for his country to become a member and even said he would be willing to “give up” his presidency to make it happen.

But Russia continues to oppose Ukraine becoming a member as it fears NATO getting closer to its border.

Aspiring members are expected to meet certain political, military and economic criteria. 

Then, if all the members agree, NATO invites the country to begin accession talks.

Former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg previously said Ukraine could join “in the long term” but not until after the war ended.

But US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has said Ukrainian membership is not a “realistic outcome”.

The latest countries to join the alliance are Finland, which joined in 2023, and Sweden, which became a member in 2024.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine encouraged the two countries to join NATO. 

Some say this was an own goal by Vladimir Putin, who had started the war with the aim of weakening the alliance, but ended up encouraging its growth.