During a joint press conference with representatives from the “Ukraine-Northern Europe” summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to extend an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. He clarified that the request was not for full membership but rather for a political commitment that would provide geopolitical clarity for both Ukraine and Europe.
“An invitation to NATO is not the same as full membership in the Alliance. Some leaders evade the question of an invitation, as if these terms were interchangeable. Such a response is unfair; it’s simply a way of saying ‘no,'” Zelensky stressed, calling attention to the reluctance of some Western partners to make definitive decisions in Ukraine’s favor.
Issues with Support from Partner Nations
Zelensky also voiced his concerns over the response from American allies to Ukraine’s requests, emphasizing a lack of confidentiality in relations between Kyiv and Washington. Recent media reports regarding Ukraine’s requests for long-range missiles, such as Tomahawks, he described as a sign of growing friction. “There should be no leaks of confidential information between partners,” he stated.
The president also highlighted the challenges Ukraine faces during the winter, including electricity shortages, lack of heating, and other pressing hardships.
Risks of Losing Support from Allies and Criticism of Russia’s Escalation
Zelensky pointed out that in light of new challenges, such as the arrival of additional North Korean military personnel in Russia, some countries remain cautious about helping Ukraine for fear of crossing “red lines.” However, in the president’s view, it is precisely these actions by Russia and its allies that escalate the situation—not Ukraine’s requests for defensive support.
Ahead of the Washington summit, Ukraine’s allies had promised to provide air defense systems. However, Ukraine received only a small portion of the aid approved by Congress for 2024. Zelensky noted that the main obstacles are bureaucratic delays and logistical issues.
Ukraine’s Position on Territorial Concessions and Commitment to a Peaceful Resolution
The president firmly rejected any attempts to resolve the conflict through territorial concessions. Responding to suggestions from some foreign politicians that Ukraine should cede part of its territory for peace, Zelensky reassured that no territorial concessions were acceptable.
He also touched on nuclear safety, emphasizing that despite the means, Ukraine has never sought to seize Russian facilities, such as the Kursk nuclear power plant, underscoring its commitment to stability.
Relations with Neighboring States and Blockages from Hungary
Zelensky discussed difficulties with neighboring Hungary, which has blocked several initiatives aimed at Ukraine’s NATO integration. He explained that Ukraine is negotiating with the Hungarian government to prepare a bilateral document to overcome this hurdle. The president highlighted that Ukraine seeks victory without blockades from its neighbors and, ideally, with their support.
Inconsistencies in Partner Support and New Challenges on the International Stage
Zelensky observed that while many countries verbally support Ukraine, there is a shortage of concrete actions. He expressed doubts that even a potential end to the conflict with Russia would bring full stability to Ukraine, as some partners already seem inclined to limit support, considering Ukrainian requests “excessive.”
At the end of the press conference, Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian government is establishing departments abroad to represent the interests of Ukrainians and encourage their return to Ukraine. He noted that many European countries prioritize employed Ukrainians, and this process requires coordination for stable economic recovery.
For more insights into the ongoing manifestations of Russian aggression, we invite you to read the article “Another Display of Fascist Behavior”, which details recent violations of international law by Russia.