Ukraine's NATO membership should not depend on Russia - Zelenskyy
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is counting on security guarantees from its allies. He emphasized that the decision regarding NATO should not depend on Russia.
Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine is hopeful for security guarantees from allies such as European countries, the US, and other states willing to help.
He pointed out that various formats of contingents could be considered. However, the decision on Ukraine's NATO membership mustn't depend on Russia or its veto.
"Some are skeptical, believing that NATO or the Fifth Amendment is stronger. We understand that the decision on NATO should depend on NATO allies, but certainly not on Russia or its veto," the president stated.
Zelenskyy added that everyone hopes for the support of allies on this issue, particularly through security guarantees, which should form the foundation for stability and peace in Ukraine.
Notably, an alternative to Ukraine joining NATO could be the deployment of Alliance troops on Ukrainian territory. However, Ukraine must have an army comparable in size to Russia’s.
The president also mentioned that Ukraine does not support the idea of using United Nations (UN) troops as a military contingent in Ukraine after the full-scale war ends.
French President Macron initiated the discussion on sending a military contingent to Ukraine. His remarks initially sparked lively debate among other member states, but some supported his position.
As reported by the media, the presence of European troops in Ukraine was a key topic of discussion at the Munich Security Conference.
