'We already did what we had to do': Zelenskyy says Ukraine fulfilled all NATO criteria, final decision now with allies
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine has done everything possible to join NATO, and now the final word rests solely with partners. At the same time, any decisions by the United States and Russia regarding Ukraine's membership in the Alliance must not be discussed without Kyiv's participation, said Head of State Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his interview with Piers Morgan.
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"We already did what we had to do. We said that we want and we are ready to be a part of NATO. To be a strong part and to strengthen all the allies. What can we do more? Nothing. And now this is the ball on the side of our partners, NATO countries," the president said.
He also stated that if Washington and Moscow discuss any decisions regarding Ukraine's status in NATO, this must take place only with Ukraine's participation.
"In practice, the United States previous administration, and this administration, doesn't see, they don't see us in NATO, let's be honest. And they say this, but it doesn't mean that in the future Ukraine will not be. But again, it's not up to us," Zelenskyy added.
As is known, one of Russia's so-called red lines in peace negotiations is Ukraine's non-accession to NATO. Moscow also insists that there be no military presence of Alliance member states on the territory of Ukraine.
At the same time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged that Russia will remain a threat to the Alliance even in the event of peace with Ukraine.
