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Ukraine categorically rejects any substitute for joining NATO, citing the “bitter lesson” of the Budapest Memorandum, which was an example of shortsightedness in making strategic security decisions. This was stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the memorandum.
Why did the Budapest Memorandum lose its meaning?
The document, signed in 1994, was supposed to guarantee the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in exchange for its abandonment of nuclear weapons, the third most powerful in the world. However, one of the guarantor countries, Russia, has grossly violated its obligations, leading to military aggression and the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
The MFA stressed that such security instruments have proved ineffective and have led to significant losses for Ukraine, stressing that the European security architecture cannot be built at the expense of Kyiv’s interests.
Clear requirements for international partners
Ukraine calls on the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum – the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as France, China and other countries party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons – to provide effective security guarantees.
“The historical mistake must be corrected. Ukraine must receive clear, legally binding guarantees, and the only such guarantee is full membership in NATO,” the ministry said.
Joining NATO is a strategic priority
The ministry stressed that Ukraine would not accept any compromises, alternatives or “surrogates” for NATO membership. “The 30th anniversary of the Budapest Memorandum is an opportunity for a concrete step towards Ukraine’s accession to the Washington Treaty,” the statement said.
Thus, Kyiv is clearly outlining its security priorities, demanding concrete actions from the international community instead of declarations to ensure security and stability in the region.
