Zelensky: Ukraine knows NATO membership isn’t possible during wartime

Source: CBN

Ukraines’s president Volodymyr Zelensky bitterly admitted Ukraine cannot join NATO until the war with Russia is over. However, he doubled down on Kyiv stance that his country needs to be offered a formal invitation to join the Alliance as a crucial signal of support.

“We understand that the United States and other partners cannot bring Ukraine into NATO while we’re at war. Ukraine respects that and does not wish to drag other countries’ military forces into this conflict,” Zelensky said, in a sign of more pragmatic approach to the issue.

The invitation, he argued, would  need to apply to all of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, including areas currently under Russian occupation.

“If we truly want to end this war, Ukraine must receive a NATO [membership offer]. An invitation covers the entirety of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. However, NATO’s actions could initially focus on the areas under Ukraine’s control, with potential expansion as we reclaim territory,” Zelensky explained.

The president said Ukraine just wants clarity on the issue.

“An invitation to NATO is the first step. It’s not membership yet, but it’s a demonstration of goodwill. What’s critical is maintaining honest relations. This invitation would offer a transparent answer about Ukraine’s future in NATO. It also sends a clear message to Putin or any future aggressor: Ukraine will become a NATO member,” Zelensky concluded.