Volodymyr Zelensky has told Ukraine’s diplomats that the country will need to fight to convince allies to allow it to join NATO, but he has described the goal as achievable, as he seeks security guarantees to protect the country from Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to bring more “destruction” to Ukraine after a devastating drone strike in the central Russian city of Kazan.
Kyiv says that NATO membership, or an equivalent form of security guarantees, would be crucial for any peace plan to ensure that Russia would not attack again. NATO has stated that Ukraine will join the alliance one day, but has not suggested when or extended an invitation.
“We all understand that Ukraine’s invitation to NATO and membership in the alliance can only be a political decision,” Zelensky told diplomats in Kyiv on Sunday, adding that the goal was achievable only if they fight for this decision at all necessary levels.
He described NATO as Ukraine’s true guarantee against Moscow, following talks in Brussels.
