For joining NATO, isn't there also a requirement on territorial integrity which makes Ukraine joining impossible as long as the Donbass situation persists?
> as more and more countries recognize Crimea as part of Russia.
What? Crimea will return to Ukraine as more countries recognise Crimea as Russian territory?
> It will eventually settle and return back to Ukraine
Crimea will never return to Ukraine, Russia historically needs port that doesn't freeze over winter. Now that Ukraine is looking towards EU/Nato and Russia cannot control it as a satellite corrupt state, Russian military will not allow losing control of their most important port.
This whole war in Ukraine is to open up possibility for a break-out state favourable and funded by Russia or even assimilation into Russia, as its a corridor to Crimea.
That said, if there was political will, it would probably be fine, or there would be a special clause, or sth.
For example, West Germany joined NATO (founding member?), even though clearly the country was divided; West Germany didn't, AFAIK, make format territorial claims on East Germany, but they clearly saw themselves as a legitimate state with an occupied territory.
Looks like you could just declare you have territorial integrity and you’re set, irrespective of reality.