Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that NATO membership for Ukrainian-controlled regions could help de-escalate the war with Russia. He stressed that any NATO invitation must cover all of Ukraine’s territory to prevent recognizing occupied areas as Russian. Zelensky also called for NATO support to reclaim lost territories through diplomacy, amidst significant ongoing military tensions in Ukraine.
In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky articulated that NATO membership for Ukrainian-controlled territory might de-escalate the ongoing conflict with Russia. He emphasized that any invitation to join NATO must encompass the entirety of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders to avoid implying that any occupied territory belongs to Russia. Zelensky reiterated the constitutional mandate that prevents Ukraine from legally recognizing annexed areas as part of Russian territory. He suggested that establishing NATO support over regions currently controlled by Ukraine would be a strategic move toward peace negotiations aimed at regaining lost territories. Additionally, discussions regarding military aid to Ukraine are on the agenda for an upcoming NATO meeting.
The context of President Zelensky’s statements stems from the ongoing struggle faced by Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022. This conflict has resulted in significant territorial disputes, with Russia currently controlling substantial portions of eastern and southern Ukraine. Zelensky’s reference to NATO membership reflects Ukraine’s pursuit of stronger alliances and military support amid fears of further territorial losses. His commentary underscores the legal complexities surrounding the recognition of occupied territories, which could influence future diplomatic negotiations.
In essence, President Zelensky’s remarks highlight a crucial aspect of Ukraine’s approach to seeking NATO membership and resolving the ongoing war with Russia. By insisting that any proposals extend to all occupied regions, he seeks to reinforce Ukraine’s territorial integrity while also aiming for robust international support. Zelensky’s strategy appears to delineate a path forward for both military and diplomatic avenues necessary for potentially ending the conflict.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
