> why do some NATO members intent on continued eastward expansion
If Russia rolling tanks into Ukraine doesn’t show why expanding mutual protection makes sense, I don’t know what would. As a direct result of these moves Putin has all but guaranteed NATO forces in Sweden, possibly even Finland.
First, nobody says we want them, their membership was not on current NATO's agenda. Nobody is forcing them to join, just as we don't put any pressure on Finnland or Sweden. But the more the merrier - you have another ally you can at least half-count on the safer you are. The same applies to EU membership.
In 2016, Ukraine was granted a NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP), comprising the advisory mission at the NATO Representation to Ukraine as well as 16 capacity-building programmes and Trust Funds.
In 2018, Ukraine was officially given an aspiring member status.
In 2021
NATO reaffirmed that “Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP)", which is the most traction on the topic since 2008.
In parallel to all this, joint military exercises and arms shipments have been ramped up.
I found this old article from the Ukrainian perspective to be informative:
>But the more the merrier - you have another ally you can at least half-count on the safer you are.
This seems to be the critical question. I think that current NATO members are safer without expanding east. I certainly feel that way today! In the future, I don't think conflict is less likely if Ukraine joins NATO and there are more us missiles and troops stationed on the Russian border.
Because the Ukraine does not fulfill the criteria for membership. The article you linked says "In spring 2021, Ukraine pointed out little progress in NATO’s “open-door” policy" and "U.S. Department of State spokesman, noted that the “open door” policy is applicable for states meeting the standard for membership and emphasized that Ukraine should do its homework"
> I think that current NATO members are safer without expanding east.
Well, this may be true but the problem is that this requires a lot of trust. You have to trust that if you do nothing, the other party also does nothing. I understand that Russians are scared and that they are acting out of fear but we (Poles) are acting out of fear too. In the past ~230 years for only ~50 we were not occupied by Russia.
I hope that one day we can talk honestly with Russians and address each others fears, but well, right now we are where we are :(
Ukraine wasn’t a NATO priority until now. Given what Putin has done, and his oligarchs have permitted, it is clear Ukraine must be a NATO member to keep Europe stable. Russia can be attended to by China. They will grant them financial access. In exchange, they will make Russia their vassal and keep them in check. What an idiot of a society they have been…
If Russia rolling tanks into Ukraine doesn’t show why expanding mutual protection makes sense, I don’t know what would. As a direct result of these moves Putin has all but guaranteed NATO forces in Sweden, possibly even Finland.