Ukraine's bid to join NATO is underway, with Russia pushing for guarantees that the former Soviet republic will not be allowed to join. The US and European allies insist that countries have the right to choose their own alliances and that NATO's "open door policy" applies. While some observers see Ukraine meeting membership requirements as unlikely, others believe Moscow's actions are making the idea of NATO membership more appealing. To resolve positively, Ukraine must officially join NATO before a specific deadline, with no room for being on the "path" towards membership. The resolution criteria is tied to an exact date: if Ukraine joins NATO by December 31, 2024, the outcome will be yes; otherwise, it will be no.