Russia rejects NATO proposal: No "German model" for Ukraine
The Russian authorities have dismissed the possibility of a "German scenario" to end the conflict in Ukraine, where Kyiv might join NATO without regaining the territories occupied by Russia, stated Rodion Miroshnik, Ambassador for Special Affairs of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Miroshnik stated that Ukraine joining NATO in any capacity would be unacceptable, viewing it as an attempt to heighten the conflict. He explained that NATO's previous expansion into Eastern Europe contributed to the present crisis in Ukraine, so further alliance growth should not be seen as a feasible solution. This perspective was shared during his interview with "Izvestia".
"German scenario" for ending the war
The "German scenario" suggests that Ukraine could follow the example of post-World War II Germany, where only the western part (FRG) joined the North Atlantic Alliance. In contrast, the eastern part (GDR) remained under the influence of the USSR and was part of the Warsaw Pact.
Currently, this scenario is being proposed as a potential solution for Ukraine: it could join NATO with the territories under its control, while the regions occupied by Russia would remain outside the agreement.
In July, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine highlighted that the decision to join NATO, regardless of territorial recovery, rests solely with the Ukrainian people. He pointed out that if proposals like a German model or other alternatives arise, it’s crucial to understand the details, the source, and the intentions behind them. Only then can a nationwide consensus be sought rather than relying solely on his views.
Ukraine's Western allies began seriously discussing the "German scenario" in the autumn of this year - recalled the "Financial Times". At that time, former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg suggested that Kyiv might consider relinquishing territories in exchange for NATO membership.
If there is a will, a solution can always be found. Stoltenberg pointed out that a demarcation line is needed, the crossing of which will determine the application of Article 5, and Ukraine must control all the territory up to this border.
NATO in exchange for Ukrainian territories?
However, sources from the "FT" admitted that "NATO in exchange for territories" faces significant challenges due to Russia's opposition and the lack of a clear consensus on whether the United States and other NATO countries are prepared to make such concessions.
In June, Russian leader Vladimir Putin outlined conditions for initiating peace talks with Kyiv for the first time. These included renouncing membership in NATO and other military alliances and the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the administrative territories of the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, with an acknowledgment of the loss of sovereignty over these areas.
Zelensky described these demands as another ultimatum and refused to comply with them.
