Zelenskyy on steps for NATO membership - Ready to swap Belgorod
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: facebook.com/koleso0506)"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responds to "proposals" to exchange territories for NATO membership, accroding to the joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Recent statements from Stian Jenssen, the Chief of Staff to the NATO Secretary-General, suggest that Ukraine could potentially join NATO in exchange for territories currently occupied by the Russian Federation. These proposals highlight the complex dynamics and negotiations involved in Ukraine's path toward NATO membership.
However, the Ukrainian President disagreed with Jenssen's opinion and proposed an alternative approach himself.
"We're ready to exchange Belgorod for our NATO membership," he succinctly stated.
Statement of the Chief of Staff to the NATO Secretary-General
Recently, Stian Jenssen stated that Ukraine could potentially join NATO in exchange for territories currently occupied by the Russian Federation.
"I believe that one of the solutions could be Ukraine relinquishing territory and obtaining NATO membership in return," Jenssen said.
He mentioned that discussions about Ukraine's future status within the Alliance after the war are already underway. Options, including Kyiv giving up parts of its territory, are being considered.
Oleg Nikolenko, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, stated that discussions about Ukraine's NATO membership in exchange for relinquishing Ukrainian territories are entirely unacceptable.
Additionally, Mykhailo Podolyak, an Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President, remarked that such statements represent attempts to maintain the global order and establish a "bad peace." He noted that Russia will continue to pass the war on future generations and not relinquish its aggressive stance.
Official's justification
The following day, the Chief of Staff to the NATO Secretary-General stated that the proposal for Ukraine to give up parts of its territory in exchange for NATO membership was a mistake.
