Zelensky Signals Openness to Dropping NATO Bid for Security Guarantees
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has stated he is prepared to relinquish the pursuit of NATO membership if Ukraine receives security guarantees from the U.S. and European partners. This move is intended to advance peace talks during upcoming discussions.
Zelensky noted the importance of bilateral security guarantees between Ukraine and the United States, resembling those stipulated in Article 5, in addition to security assurances from European allies and other nations, including Canada and Japan.
Zelensky described this proposal as a compromise. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously stated that the guarantee mechanism must define not only security but also the implementation of peace agreements. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly affirmed Moscow’s opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has also recently stated that Ukraine’s adherence to a neutral and non-nuclear status remains a prerequisite for resolving the conflict.
