Ukraine is not discussing the possibility of obtaining NATO membership in exchange for relinquishing territories currently under Russian occupation, while some partner countries may have such ideas, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
“We don’t discuss it. But I believe that these inclusions in the media are not accidental. Apparently, some partners may have such thoughts. Therefore, they do not directly communicate these issues with me, but through the media, of course, they check their degree. I think everything depends on Ukrainian society,” Zelenskyy said at a meeting with journalists on Monday.
According to the president, currently at all negotiations, the Ukrainian side raises the issue of security guarantees.
“The best is NATO. During the war – an invitation, completely open, with a strong position in any format of diplomacy. This invitation, I believe, does not depend on Russia’s opinion. When some other partners are also sure of this – that they are stronger than Russia, then everything will be positive for us in this sense”, – noted the head of the Ukrainian state.
Answering a question about whether Ukraine assumes that a conversation about partial accession to NATO can begin without the occupied territories, Zelenskyy emphasized that “no matter what path we have, legally, no one will recognize the occupied territories as the territories of other states.”
The President also explained that the invitation to the Alliance is given to the country within its internationally recognized borders. According to Zelenskyi, the most important thing for him is to receive an invitation during the war.
“I think this is a strong part of the package we offer. This is not just an invitation, but an invitation before the war is over. And what an introduction, how it will take place, how much – this is the next step, diplomacy. There can be different formats,” the head of state emphasized.
