Zelensky says Ukraine’s membership of Nato is ‘achievable’
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told diplomats in Kyiv that Ukraine's membership of Nato would stabilise global relations.
PHOTO: X/@ZELENSKYYUA
Follow topic:
KYIV – Ukraine’s membership of Nato is “achievable”, but Kyiv will have to fight to persuade allies to make it happen, President Volodymyr Zelensky told Ukrainian diplomats in a speech on Dec 22.
Ukraine has repeatedly urged Nato to invite Kyiv to become a member.
The Western military alliance has said Ukraine will join its ranks one day but has not set a date or issued an invitation.
Moscow has cited the prospect of Ukraine joining Nato as one of the principal justifications for its 2022 invasion.
Kyiv says membership in the Western alliance’s mutual defence pact, or an equivalent form of security guarantee, would be crucial to any peace plan to ensure that Russia does not attack again.
“We all understand that Ukraine’s invitation to Nato and membership in the alliance can only be a political decision,” Mr Zelensky told diplomats at a gathering in Kyiv.
“Alliance for Ukraine is achievable, but it is achievable only if we fight for this decision at all the necessary levels.”
Mr Zelensky said allies needed to know what Ukraine can bring to Nato and how its membership in the alliance would stabilise global relations.
Last week, Mr Zelensky urged European countries to provide guarantees to protect Ukraine after the war with Russia ends and said Ukraine would ultimately need more protection through membership of the alliance. REUTERS
