Ukrainian Ambassador to NATO Calls for Alliance's Revival Amid Trump Threats

Alena Hetmanchuk, Ukraine's ambassador to NATO, has expressed her view that the recent turbulence triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's statements about the North Atlantic Alliance may act as a catalyst for its revival. She made these comments in an interview with Politico, which was relayed by the Ukrainian news agency 'European Truth.'

In her remarks regarding Trump's comments, Hetmanchuk conveyed a sense of optimism, stating, "Instead of talking about the collapse of NATO, I would prefer to discuss the revival of the Alliance." She emphasized that despite the challenges facing the Alliance, the current crisis could open new opportunities for Ukraine's integration into NATO. According to her, this, in turn, would help the Alliance become "much more effective, lethal, innovative, and capable of countering the Russian threat."

The Ukrainian ambassador also responded to Trump's characterization of NATO as a "paper tiger" that fails to intimidate Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hetmanchuk pointed out that despite the Kremlin's long-standing attempts to undermine NATO, Russia has never dared to attack any of the Alliance's member countries. She also highlighted that Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which obligates the Alliance to defend any member country in the event of an attack, remains a "model to follow" in the context of security guarantees.

Hetmanchuk acknowledged that trust in NATO within Ukraine has been shaken partly due to "the Alliance's behavior in the early years of the war," when NATO deliberately sought to distance itself from key processes related to providing Ukraine with necessary support, including lethal weapons. However, after Trump's re-election and a decrease in support for Kyiv from Washington, NATO has taken a more active role in defending Ukraine, coordinating over 80 percent of all military assistance provided to the country.

According to Hetmanchuk, Kyiv now positions itself as a partner that has much to offer the Alliance in exchange for assistance. "Even without being a NATO member, we are the only country that is already practically implementing the Alliance's Strategic Concept," she noted, referring to the document that outlines key objectives and adversaries whose aggressive behavior must be stopped. She stated that Ukraine is a key partner of the Alliance in "confronting the most direct and significant threat, which is defined as Russia."

Additionally, former U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg criticized NATO, suggesting the creation of a new alliance involving Ukraine. It is worth recalling that Trump had previously expressed serious intentions to consider the possibility of the United States withdrawing from NATO due to the stance of allies regarding the U.S. war in Iraq. However, according to media reports, both the U.S. Congress and the Pentagon have assured that discussions about the U.S. exit from NATO are not taking place, and within the Alliance itself, Trump's threats are regarded as bluffs.

Furthermore, 'European Truth' has prepared a video explanation on whether the U.S. can truly exit NATO. We encourage readers to subscribe to 'European Truth' for the latest news and event analysis.