Zelensky Says Ukraine Can Only Join NATO as a Unified Country
Zelenskyy: Ukraine Seeks NATO Membership Within Internationally Recognized Borders
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated his country’s desire to join NATO, but emphasized that membership must encompass all of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory.In a recent interview with British broadcaster Sky News, Zelenskyy stated that ukraine could only accept an invitation to join NATO within its pre-2014 borders. This stance underscores Ukraine’s refusal to cede any territory to Russia, which currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian land, including the Crimean Peninsula annexed in 2014.
Zelenskyy also proposed a potential compromise, suggesting that NATO could offer security guarantees to the portions of Ukraine currently under Kyiv’s control. This, he argued, could help de-escalate the ongoing conflict and bring an end to the “hot phase” of the war.
“We are open to discussing various options,” Zelenskyy said, “but Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable.”
Zelenskyy’s comments come as part of his broader peace plan, unveiled in October, which calls for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Russian troops, and Ukraine’s eventual membership in NATO.
Ukraine Demands Full Territory in NATO Bid, Zelenskyy Says
Kyiv, Ukraine – In an exclusive interview with sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr zelenskyy asserted Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to joining NATO, but only if it includes all its internationally recognized territory.
Zelenskyy stated that accepting NATO membership encompassing only parts of Ukraine, effectively ceding land to Russia, is unacceptable. This stance firmly rejects Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and its ongoing occupation of othre Ukrainian regions.
However, Zelenskyy also presented a potential compromise, suggesting NATO could offer security guarantees to the portions of ukraine currently under Kyiv’s control. He proposes this as a step towards de-escalation and ending the active conflict.
“We are open to discussing various options,” Zelenskyy emphasized,”but Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable.”
These remarks are part of Zelenskyy’s broader peace proposal, which he presented in October. The plan outlines a ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Russian forces, and ultimately, Ukraine’s integration into NATO.