NATO accession will remain a long-term aim for Ukraine

Significance

NATO accession has been on Ukraine's agenda since 2014. Current President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration continues to seek closer relations with the alliance, but is less vocal than its predecessor in pushing for membership.

Impacts

• Russia's relations with the West will both affect and be shaped by the progress of Ukraine-NATO ties.
• The gradual pace of such ties makes NATO a less contentious issue in Ukraine than Russia.
• The new Lublin Triangle (Poland-Ukraine-Lithuania) has economic and cultural aims but also advocates NATO accession for Kyiv.