Experts Tell Senate NATO Path For Ukraine, Georgia Is ‘Manageable’ but Requires U.S. Leadership

Senator Mitt Romney pressed witnesses on whether creating a formal path to NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia could give Russia an excuse to escalate militarily. Mr. Brzezinski replied that the risk was real but "a concern we should watch but it's a manageable concern," and said a united Western effort could both integrate the two countries and deter Russian aggression.

Why it matters: Witnesses said the way the West communicates and commits matters. Mr. Brzezinski warned past hesitancy and division undermined deterrence, and he urged an assertive, coordinated U.S. effort to bring allies on board. "If the West can be put on a track, of a determined track to bring these 2 countries aboard...back it with the political, military and economic muscle that NATO brings to the table, I think we're in a position to drive forward that integration while at the same time deterring Russian aggression," he said.

Dr. Polakova cautioned that NATO is only part of the picture: "EU integration...has been the core driver of reforms, in the judicial sector, in the civil society sector, and in defense sector in all of these countries," she said, adding that Brussels-driven reforms have helped reduce corruption and strengthen institutions in Central and Eastern Europe.

Mister Townsend urged a practical, phased approach. "I think a path to membership can be managed in such a way that it doesn't set off an immediate conflict with Russia," he said, recommending beginning with a membership action plan to assess capabilities and reforms as a logical first step.

The witnesses emphasized that enlargement will not happen automatically: it requires clear U.S. leadership, sustained diplomacy, and alignment with European partners. They portrayed the memberships as strategic investments in regional stability and reforms, not immediate security guarantees that would force a military confrontation.

There were no formal votes or directives in this exchange; lawmakers invited testimony and debate. The committee's discussion focused on strategy and sequencing rather than on a specific legislative or treaty action.

Next steps: Witnesses recommended that policymakers consider membership action plans and parallel EU-oriented reform incentives. The committee made no decision at the hearing.