The West has been discussing the West German model in the context of Ukraine’s accession to NATO for 18 months.

This model represents, in the Western community’s opinion, what may become the most likely scenario for the end of the hot phase of the war in Ukraine and prevent a new one, writes the FT. In this plan, Russia would retain de facto control over the occupied territories – but they will continue to be considered legitimate Ukrainian territories, which can be returned diplomatically when the opportunity arises.

Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hinted that the incompleteness of the war and Ukraine’s partial occupation will not become an insurmountable barrier to Ukraine’s full membership. Stoltenberg recalled the situation with Japan: the US guarantees provided to it do not apply to the occupied Kuril Islands. Similarly, only West Germany received protection after its accession to NATO in 1955.

Ukraine’s “partial” accession to NATO is an achievable conditional victory scenario – Ukraine will receive protection, freedom, and the opportunity to develop, while Russia will remain isolated.