re: #75 CuriousLurker

It’s a process that takes years so as to integrate the military structure into NATO structures and meet reform requirements. There was a MAP (membership action plan), with an ultimate eye towards membership, but that was scuttled over Russian insistence.

Now, NATO and Ukraine could resurrect the MAP , and NATO could set a target date for membership.

Thing is that I don’t think that would dissuade the Russians. If anything, that might spur them to destabilize the Ukrainian government and move on Kiev proper (by or through proxies if possible). Russia doesn’t want to see NATO on its doorstop, which is why it’s tried to stop Poland and others from shifting their gaze Westward.

All that said, it would be comical for this to be labeled a loss for Obama and the US, if the invasion actually accelerates/restarts Ukraine’s membership into NATO.