Zelenskyy delivers a sharp response to Russia on NATO and neutrality
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russian conditions regarding Ukraine’s neutrality and the prohibition of foreign military presence do not take into account that Ukraine already had a non-aligned status in 2014. It was precisely then that Russian aggression began, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy outlined the second point of the Russian memorandum: "Ukraine’s neutrality, a presumed refusal to join military alliances, a ban on any military activity by third countries on Ukrainian territory, including the deployment of foreign armed forces, bases, and military infrastructure."
"Exactly in 2014, when (the Russian President Vladimir — ed.) Putin seized Crimea and part of Donbas, Ukraine had a legally defined non-aligned status. So this also contradicts logic. They captured us and started the occupation precisely at the time when we had a non-aligned status. Again, there is nothing to discuss here. Is this what he wants it for? To take advantage of the occupation of our state," the president emphasized.
He stressed that Ukraine had handed over its memorandum to the Russian side in order to conduct negotiations.
"Because we clearly stated regarding NATO, besides what is in our Constitution, that this issue depends on the allies, on all NATO members, it is their goodwill to include us, and for this, unity is necessary to invite Ukraine to NATO. And by the way, to avoid inviting us under the relevant documents, they also need unity,” he added.
At the same time, the president emphasized that this issue can be raised even today, but noted that to prevent Ukraine from joining the alliance in the future, the unity of all voices is also required.
"That is also a very important point," Zelenskyy noted.
Russia’s memorandum
This Monday, June 2, the second round of negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia took place in Türkiye.
A source from RBC-Ukraine recently reported that Russia, through Türkiye’s mediation, handed over its memorandum to Ukraine, outlining Moscow’s position on the terms of peace and a possible ceasefire.
American officials have expressed disappointment regarding the ceasefire conditions proposed by Russia. According to ABC News, anonymous sources indicate that fulfilling such demands is unrealistic.
Earlier today, the Ukrainian president discussed several points of this document and emphasized that the very first point of Russia’s memorandum is an ultimatum.
Furthermore, later Zelenskyy rejected the Russian memorandum, describing it as political spam and PR aimed at a domestic audience.
