Is it possible for Ukraine to join NATO “in parts”: Zelensky's answer

Ukraine has not received any proposals to exchange territory for NATO membership. But some of Kyiv's partners may have such thoughts.

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to journalists, according to an RBC-Ukraine correspondent.

“We are not discussing this. But I believe that these media injections are not accidental,” Zelensky said in response to a question about whether NATO membership is possible in exchange for the occupied territories.

He did not rule out that “some partners may have such thoughts.”

“Therefore, they do not directly communicate these issues with me, but through the media, of course, they check its degree. I think it all depends on the society of Ukraine,” the president said.

According to him, Ukraine is raising the issue of security guarantees in all negotiations. “The best is NATO. During the war, it is an invitation, absolutely open, with a strong position in any format of diplomacy. I believe this invitation does not depend on Russia's opinion. When some other partners are convinced that they are stronger than Russia, then everything will be positive in this sense,” the president added.

Answering the question of whether a conversation about partial accession to NATO could begin without the occupied territories, Zelenskyy said: “Everyone understands that no matter what path we take, no one will legally recognize the occupied territories as territories of other states.

The President noted that he emphasizes the invitation because it is given to a country within internationally recognized borders.

“And this is a fundamental thing for me: 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 while the war is still on. And what kind of entry, how it will take place, how long - this is the next step, diplomacy. There may be different formats,” he added.

Author - Olena Madiak, 22/10/2024