Ukraine and NATO: A Complex Relationship

The relationship between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has evolved significantly since Ukraine’s independence in 1991. Initially focused on cooperation, the dynamic has intensified following Russia’s actions in 2014 and 2022, with Ukraine increasingly seeking membership in the alliance. However, Ukraine is not currently a NATO member, remaining a partner country.

Early Cooperation and Partnership (1991-2008)

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, relations between Ukraine and NATO began in 1991 [1]. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Ukraine aimed for eventual integration with NATO although maintaining a neutral stance. Key milestones in this period include Ukraine joining NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994 and the establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Commission in 1997 to foster the relationship [1]. In 2005, Ukraine participated in NATO’s Intensified Dialogue program [1].

At the 2008 Bucharest summit, NATO did not offer Ukraine a Membership Action Plan, but stated that Ukraine would eventually join the alliance [1].

Shifting Policies and Renewed Interest (2010-2014)

Under the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych in 2010, Ukraine’s parliament voted to reaffirm its neutral status and abandon its pursuit of NATO membership, while continuing cooperation with the organization [1]. Following the February 2014 Ukrainian Revolution and the removal of Yanukovych, the parliament did not initially seek to alter this neutral position [1].

However, Russia’s subsequent occupation and annexation of Crimea, along with its military intervention in eastern Ukraine in August 2014, prompted a significant shift. In December 2014, Ukraine’s parliament voted to seek NATO membership, a decision further enshrined in the constitution in 2018 [1].

Increased Support and Ongoing Cooperation (2014-Present)

Since 2014, NATO has increased its support for and cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in response to Russian aggression [3]. NATO has condemned Russia’s actions and affirmed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Several NATO member states have provided military assistance to Ukraine independently [1].

As of June 2025, NATO-Ukraine cooperation has been intensified in critical areas following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea [3]. Ukraine continues to cooperate closely with NATO as a partner country, but is not covered by the alliance’s security guarantees [2].

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine and NATO began cooperating in 1991 after Ukraine’s independence.
• Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership has fluctuated based on domestic political shifts and external pressures, particularly from Russia.
• Russia’s actions in 2014 and 2022 significantly increased Ukraine’s desire to join NATO and prompted greater support from the alliance.
• Ukraine is currently a NATO partner, but not a member.