Its heartbreaking to see what Russia is doing to Ukraine, however, I am

[akbacchus_BC]

curious as to why it did not become a member of NATO after it became an independent country. Is there a waiting period?

[lapfog_1]

1. There are many constraints and obligations that must be met

not to mention that such a move would be provocative.

[Sherman A1]

2. Precisely,

It is not an easy thing to accomplish and as I understand the vote by the current members must be unanimous as it will be their troops that will be involved in the defense of any new or current member under an Article Five Situation.

[LaMouffette]

3. It is agonizing watching the people of Ukraine fighting the Russian army alone! It seems like now

would be a good time to hold a special election and vote them into NATO and then have all of the member nations send thousands of troops to help defend Ukraine.

Yes, it would be provocative, but like TFG, Putin pushes the limits and crosses the line time and again because he doesn't think anything will be done about it.

And yes, Biden and NATO are imposing unprecedented sanctions and Biden has united NATO against Russia's invasion (thank God Joe is president right now!), but it is heartbreaking to watch this unfold.