Playing Robin to @RadioFreeTom's Batman here. 1/
https://twitter.com/RadioFreeTom/status/1502320806658863107
First rule of NATO fight club: actually read the treaty. You can read it here in English, French, Ukrainian, Turkish ... 2/ nato.int/cps/en/natoliv…
Let's start with the famed Article 5. It does not automatically commit any NATO member to "have to go to war." Here is the Article in full: The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all
and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith,
individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area." Critical: each party takes action AS IT DEEMS NECESSARY. 5/
When does the treaty apply? Go to Article 6. Territory of Ukraine is not covered. NATO aircraft or personnel on the territory of Ukraine--not covered. Treaty only covers "PARTIES" to the treaty. 6/
Do Russian actions in Ukraine constitute a threat to the peace and security of any NATO member? They can request, under Article 4, consultations. The obligation of other NATO members: to consult. No action mandated unless all 30 agree. 7/
What happens if a NATO member wants to intervene on behalf of the Ukrainians even after Article 4 consultations have not produced a common, alliance approach? Go to Article 8. "Each Party declares that none of the international engagements now in force between it 8/
and any other of the Parties or any third State is in conflict with the provisions of this Treaty, and undertakes not to enter into any international engagement in conflict with this Treaty." In other words, you'd be on your own. Does this explain Poland's second thoughts? 9/
Please don't argue with me about the type of Washington Treaty you'd like to see or why Ukraine is a virtual or de facto member. Such designations do not exist. North Macedonia was the last country to accede. Until 30 members of NATO agree 10/
with this statement: "Being satisfied that the security of the North Atlantic area will be enhanced by the accession of ..." and all 30 states ratify, then Ukraine will not be invited to accede. Convince your governments to continue the Article 4 process. END
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