Finland has cautioned the United States about using the term “Article 5” in relation to Ukraine’s defense. Some NATO members are concerned that applying this collective defense clause to Ukraine, which is not a NATO member, might undermine its effectiveness as a deterrent.
The debate reflects broader apprehensions within the alliance about how to support Ukraine without altering NATO’s core commitments or escalating tensions.
**Why this matters**
Article 5 of the NATO treaty commits members to collective defense if one is attacked. Extending this guarantee to Ukraine could shift NATO’s strategic posture and potentially provoke stronger responses from Russia. Maintaining clarity on NATO’s obligations helps preserve alliance unity and deterrence credibility.
Source: NewsData