Ukraine’s Ex-Military Chief: NATO Membership ‘Impossible’ Under Current Standards
In a recent statement that has reverberated through diplomatic and military circles, Walerij Saluschnyj, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has cast doubt on Ukraine’s prospects of joining NATO. Speaking at a meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors, Saluschnyj, who now serves as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, was quoted by the online media outlet Evropeiska Pravda as saying, “Unfortunately, we will never really join.” His remarks, reported in Germany and worldwide, underscore a stark reality: Ukraine’s military does not meet the alliance’s stringent standards.
Saluschnyj elaborated on his position, explaining that it is “impossible, with the level of development that the Ukrainian armed forces have, to join an organization that is oriented towards doctrines from the Second World War.” This candid assessment highlights a fundamental mismatch between Ukraine’s current military capabilities and the expectations of NATO, which has been modernizing its strategies and technologies. The former general’s comments come at a time when Ukraine has been actively seeking closer integration with Western defense structures, especially in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
Despite the bleak outlook on NATO membership, Saluschnyj’s remarks should not be interpreted as a failure of Ukraine’s military reforms. On the contrary, the Kremlin had hoped for more from its summer offensive, but the resilience and effectiveness of Ukrainian forces have been notable. Saluschnyj’s own career reflects this progress: he rose through the ranks from Chief of Staff of the Operational Command West in 2017 to General in 2022, earning the Military Merit Cross along the way. His experience on the ground gives weight to his assessment that while Ukraine has made significant strides, it still has a long way to go to align with NATO’s evolving standards.
In the broader context, this news from Germany and beyond serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in Eastern Europe. Ukraine’s path to NATO remains fraught with challenges, both internal and external. As Saluschnyj’s statement suggests, the focus may need to shift from immediate membership to deeper, more practical cooperation with the alliance, ensuring that Ukraine’s defense forces
Shimanta Das 
