Security guarantees strengthen Ukraine but don't substitute for goal of NATO membership, Zelenskyy

During the approval of the Ukraine Compact finalizing the 75th NATO summit in Washington, the President noted that active work had been ongoing throughout the year on a "robust security guarantee architecture for our country."

"These guarantees strengthen Ukraine but do not serve as a substitute for the goal of becoming a NATO member," Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to him, there are 23 "strong agreements, and there will be agreements with other countries."

"We have a historically important security agreement with the United States," Zelensky said.

He added that all this work contributed to obtaining long-term commitments regarding:

• military assistance,
• additional air defense systems,
• progress in the issue of transferring F-16 aircraft,
• and the development of defense cooperation.

"The Ukraine Compact elevates our relations to a new level. It is a significant achievement for Ukraine and all of us," the President emphasized.

It is also noted that the document is open for signing by other countries and secures long-term military and defense support, the development of future Ukrainian Defense Forces, and an emergency consultation mechanism between partners in the event of the ongoing war's escalation or potential future aggression.

Participants in the signing of the Ukrainian Compact at the NATO summit in Washington on July 11 (photo: t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)

The message from the Office of the President also states that the Ukrainian Compact became an addition to the G7 Joint Declaration, which was agreed upon at the previous NATO summit in Vilnius in 2023.

Endorsement of the Ukrainian Agreement at the NATO summit in Washington on July 11 (Photo: president.gov.ua)

Zelenskyy also said at the Ukraine-NATO Council that the country "deserves an invitation to NATO" and spoke about Ukraine's role in European security amid Russian aggression.

"I’m grateful for the NATO-Ukraine Council, created to make our path to the Alliance visible. And the real ticket for Ukraine to join NATO is a just end to this war. Without Ukraine in NATO, European security will never be complete.," the President said.

He noted that Ukraine outside the Alliance is "a temptation for Russia to try aggression again and again, to become an invader, to go into Ukraine and other countries."

"Our victory should become a bridge to lasting peace for all of Europe. All this must be based on one strong word – invitation. Ukraine deserves an invitation to NATO. This certainty will irreversibly become the Alliance’s new, strong pillar. Only strong decisions make winners," Zelenskyy's statement reads.