NATO’s Response and the US Policy on Ukraine

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered a strong and a somewhat surprisingly unified NATO response. The US policy has focused on supporting Ukraine through economic and military aid foreclosing any direct confrontation with Russia. Despite different interests and diplomatic relations of member countries within NATO, the alliance has been able to sustain its cohesion although this may prove more challenging as the conflict prolongs. As a critical NATO member in the Black Sea and a country who has provided strong support to Ukraine while facilitating high-level diplomacy to resolve the crisis, Turkey’s policy has implications for the alliance as well. As Russia refocuses its military efforts on the east and south, a protracted conflict appears more likely, and NATO’s response will be ever more critical for the course of the war. 

How can the alliance sustain its current unity? What are some of the next steps that can be taken to support Ukraine? What can the alliance do in the wake of increasing attacks on civilians? How might the US modify its policy as the conflict deepens? What are some of the implications for the US-Turkey relationship? 

The SETA Foundation at Washington DC is pleased to host a panel of distinguished experts to analyze the implications of the war in Ukraine.

Speakers

John Herbst, Senior Director, Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council; Former US Ambassador to Ukraine

Mark N. Katz, Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University

Yevgeniya Gaber, Senior Fellow, Centre in Modern Turkish Studies at Carleton University

Moderator

Kilic Kanat, Research Director, The SETA Foundation at Washington, DC