Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shake hands during the G-7 leaders’ summit in Hiroshima, Japan May 20, 2023. Ukrainian Photo: Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS

The recent NATO summit in Vilnius should be viewed as a step in the right direction for Ukraine’s membership in the world’s most formidable military alliance. While the summit fell short of Kyiv’s expectations, it provided progress toward Ukraine’s integration into NATO, as well as increased assistance to help Ukraine win the war against Russia.

My organization, the American Jewish Committee, has taken a deep interest in Ukraine since the country first sought to break away from the Soviet Union in 1991. At the time, we urged US President George H.W. Bush to recognize the rebirth of Ukrainian sovereignty and independence. Since then, we have sought to foster vibrant US-Ukrainian relations, including successfully calling on the United States Congress to “graduate” Ukraine from the provisions of the Cold War-era Jackson-Vanik Amendment. In 2014, with the Euromaidan protests and the “Revolution of Dignity”– which resulted in Ukraine’s pro-Russian president, the Putin ally Victor Yanukovych, fleeing the country — it became clear that Ukraine was (and still is) a battleground in the security architecture of the free world.

When Ukraine shook off the yoke of oppression, it also represented an opportunity to meaningfully rebuild a Jewish community whose survivors risked their freedom to affirm their Jewish identity. In a second-round landslide victory in 2019, Ukrainians elected a Jew as their president, which history would deem nothing short of remarkable.

Freedom can never be taken for granted, which is why so many of us have stood by the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom and democracy. Unity, strength, and solidarity with Ukraine are crucial at this moment, as they will serve to deter further aggression from Russia and demonstrate to other states the consequences of hostile acts against their neighbors. Leaders in Tehran (Moscow’s war-crimes facilitator in Ukraine), Pyongyang, and Beijing are closely observing what is happening in this war — and any display of weakness will be exploited.

For this reason, we have long advocated for strong action against the Iranian regime, and consider Ukraine’s entry into NATO of paramount importance. In that respect, the NATO summit in Vilnius sent significant messages to the international community and the Ukrainian people. While friends of Ukraine had hoped for a more defined timeline, the summit’s declaration clearly affirmed that Ukraine’s place was in NATO — and, most importantly, exempted Ukraine from the conventional “membership action plan” process, streamlining the path toward NATO membership.

Furthermore, the G-7 nations issued a collective declaration expressing steadfast support for Ukraine, and outlining specific long-term bilateral security arrangements to strengthen the country’s armed forces with critical defensive capabilities. It also highlighted the importance of holding Russia accountable, by freezing its state assets until Ukraine receives appropriate restitution.

In addition, a coalition of nations is preparing to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 jets in the near future. These efforts underscore the commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities and readiness.

These are not merely procedural moves or ones designed to score political points. After all, NATO was established in 1949 to prevent a Russian land invasion of democratic Europe. With each meter of territory that Ukrainian soldiers reclaim and liberate, they also win the very war NATO was created to fight.

The establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council as a permanent body is another significant achievement. It will serve as a vital platform for consultations and emergency meetings between the NATO allies and Kyiv, fostering closer cooperation and preparedness for eventual membership. It demonstrates NATO’s commitment to bringing Ukraine as close as possible before formal membership.

The valorous efforts of Ukrainian soldiers align perfectly with NATO’s original purpose, exemplifying the commitment to safeguarding Western values, fortifying regional security, and upholding the principles of democracy and freedom. Ukraine’s inclusion in NATO, when finally implemented as the Vilnius summit promised, will serve as a testament to the alliance’s unwavering resolve and its indispensable role in the global order.

Simone Rodan-Benzaquen is the Managing Director of American Jewish Committee (AJC) Europe.