Ukraine's Top General Says NATO is Obsolete, Predicts New Security Order

Former Ukrainian army commander Valeriy Zaluzhnyi has stated that Ukraine will not join NATO, a declaration that acknowledges a practical reality rather than a closed door. He argues that the alliance is becoming an anachronism, still operating on post-World War II principles and struggling to match the military standards of Russia, let alone Ukraine's wartime advancements.

Zaluzhnyi's assessment suggests that Ukraine's need for NATO membership has diminished after more than four years of defensive war. While Ukraine still requires NATO's advanced technologies, particularly in missile defense and space, its strategic focus appears to be shifting. He points to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) as a potential security framework, though he notes its current weaknesses and Ukraine's lack of pursuit of membership.

However, the article posits that Zaluzhnyi's diagnosis might be incomplete. Ukraine's geopolitical direction is increasingly defined by its alliance with Washington, with Europe primarily serving as a supplier of finances, ammunition, and industrial capacity. This dynamic suggests the emergence of a new European-American security architecture, where Ukraine could play a pivotal role, provided it prevails in its conflict with Russia. The article concludes that NATO may be losing its position as the primary force deterring Russia.