Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated today that the best security guarantees for his country are membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO. However, he emphasized that Ukraine will not accept the notion of only part of its territory being invited to join the North Atlantic Alliance.
“Part of Ukraine’s territory cannot be invited to NATO, as this would automatically recognize that all other territories are not just under threat, but are no longer Ukrainian. Ukraine will never accept this,” Zelensky said following talks with European Council President Charles Michel, as reported by Ukrinform.
He added, “If there is an invitation, it can only be for all of Ukraine’s territories. But we understand that Article 5 of the NATO treaty cannot be applied in the middle of a war over all of Ukraine’s territory, as allies do not want to be drawn into this war. Ukraine has never dragged anyone into war.”
Zelensky noted that various formats of Ukraine’s NATO membership are being discussed, but emphasized that Ukraine has not received any official proposals for any options.
“There is a lot of media speculation about what kind of ‘umbrella’ could be offered, but we have not received any offers from our partners for any type of ‘umbrella’ arrangement,” he said.
This statement from the Ukrainian president contrasts with remarks he made on November 29 during an interview with Sky News, where he suggested that the “hot phase” of the war could stop if the parts of Ukraine controlled by Kyiv were admitted to NATO. He also implied that this could later allow for the return of occupied territories through diplomatic means.
Zelensky’s firm stance on NATO membership reflects Ukraine’s broader strategic goal of securing full sovereignty and territorial integrity, despite the ongoing conflict with Russia.
