Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that NATO membership should be offered for all territory under Ukraine’s control to end the conflict with Russia. He argued that recognizing only part of Ukraine would imply acknowledging the occupation. As tensions persist, NATO discussions and military aid remain critical for Ukraine’s defense strategy.
In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky articulated that the offer of NATO membership for the territory of Ukraine under its control could potentially halt the ongoing conflict with Russia. He emphasized the necessity for any invitation to NATO to include all Ukrainian territories within their internationally recognized borders, explicitly stating, “You can’t give an invitation to just one part of a country.” This remark underscores the principle that recognizing only the controlled territory as Ukrainian would imply acknowledgment of the occupied regions as belonging to Russia, which contradicts Ukrainian law and its constitution.
Zelensky’s statement aligns with a broader discussion regarding Ukraine’s membership in NATO, previously reinforced during a Washington summit where leaders proclaimed Ukraine on an “irreversible path” to membership. However, as the conflict with Russia persists, clearly defined borders remain a prerequisite for NATO membership, a point that Zelensky highlighted in his remarks.
With ongoing military operations against Russian forces, President Zelensky noted an immediate need to place the contested regions under NATO’s protection to expedite the transition towards diplomatic efforts aimed at reclaiming the occupied territories. As the international community deliberates support for Ukraine, discussions regarding military assistance and strategic alignment within NATO are expected to take center stage in upcoming meetings. Amidst these developments, the geopolitical landscape remains uncertain, given the impending changes in the U.S. administration led by President-elect Donald Trump, who has left many questions regarding his foreign policy stance unaddressed.
The backdrop of President Zelensky’s statements revolves around the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which escalated significantly in 2022. Since then, Russia has pursued territorial gains in eastern and southern Ukraine, claiming almost one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Zelensky’s persistent calls for NATO membership reflect Ukraine’s strategic objective to bolster its military and defense capabilities against Russian aggression, seeking Western support to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The discussions about NATO membership entail not only military assistance but also the political ramifications of recognizing borders and territorial claims, which is critical for both Ukraine and NATO member states.
In conclusion, President Zelensky’s remarks highlight a critical pathway for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations amid continued conflict with Russia. By advocating for recognition of all Ukrainian territory before NATO’s formal invitation, Zelensky aims to ensure that the integrity of Ukraine is preserved while also securing necessary military support. The coming weeks will be pivotal as NATO leaders convene to discuss further actions to reinforce their commitment to Ukraine in light of the ongoing hostilities and potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under the new presidency.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
