Ukraine rejects proposals to give up territories for NATO membership
Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
According to Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ukraine has rejected any notion of relinquishing its territories in exchange for NATO membership. The Secretary-General of the alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, maintains a clear position regarding Ukraine's situation.
He stated this during an appearance on "Snidanok z 1+1" ("Breakfast with 1+1") morning show.
Kuleba commented on a statement made by Stian Jenssen, Director of the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General, suggesting that Ukraine could become a NATO member by ceding territories previously occupied by Russia.
Kuleba emphasized that Stoltenberg and Jenssen hold distinct positions, underlining that the NATO Secretary-General's stance remains unwavering.
"President [of Ukraine] has engaged in numerous conversations with Secretary-General Stoltenberg. I maintain a close relationship with him, and I assure you that the Secretary-General's position is absolutely unequivocal and aligned with Ukraine's: there can be no trading of Ukrainian territories," Kuleba stated.
The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also underscored that Ukraine's leadership is actively working towards swift NATO accession and refrains from discussing potential alternatives.
Background
Stian Jenssen, Director of the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General, had previously suggested that Ukraine could potentially join NATO by relinquishing territories occupied by Russia. Subsequently, Jenssen corrected his statement, acknowledging his words were a mistake.
This assertion from the NATO official was met with strong criticism in Ukraine. Oleh Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deemed discussions of Ukraine's NATO membership in exchange for surrendering parts of Ukrainian territories wholly unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that discussions within NATO do not involve Ukraine's accession contingent on territorial concessions.
