Erdogan highlights US reluctance on Ukraine’s NATO aspirations in NBC interview
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attends a ceremony for the handover of new vehicles to the gendarmerie and police forces in Istanbul, Turkey, September 20, 2024. (Reuters Photo)
In a recent interview with NBC News, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the United States does not support Ukraine’s membership in NATO, adding a significant perspective to the ongoing discussions regarding the alliance’s expansion. “The US does not want Ukraine to become a member of NATO. Many NATO countries also do not want Ukraine to join,” he said, underscoring the complexities surrounding Ukraine’s aspirations.
Erdogan’s comments were dubbed “saying the quiet part loud” by Tom Llamas, the Senior National Correspondent of NBC News.
Erdogan’s comments come at a time when the conflict in Ukraine continues to draw global attention and concern. As the war with Russia persists, Ukraine has sought closer ties with NATO as a means of bolstering its security. However, Erdogan’s remarks reflect a critical viewpoint that challenges the narrative of unanimous support for Ukraine’s NATO membership among member states.
Erdogan emphasized the necessity of a careful evaluation of the geopolitical landscape. “We must make our decisions based on these realities,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of considering the collective stance of NATO countries before moving forward on the issue.
In a broader context, Erdogan pointed out that discussions regarding NATO membership should not be made hastily. “When we look at these realities, these issues are not matters to be approached with excitement,” he noted, indicating that strategic decisions require thorough deliberation among all NATO allies.
