Zelensky challenges NATO's stance amid Trump's comments
President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on Donald Trump's statement, in which he expressed he "could understand the feelings" of Russia and Putin regarding the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO.
As reported by Interfax-Ukraine, Zelensky referred to Trump's Tuesday speech during his Wednesday meeting with Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.
- Remember, Ukraine was told that Patriot systems can only be and are in NATO countries? Well, either we have been in NATO for a long time, or we should not draw any conclusions. This is what happened with Patriot, this is what happened with missile systems and other weapons. Now we need to work and do everything so that Ukraine receives security guarantees worthy of our people, which could stop Putin - Zelensky commented.
The President noted that Ukraine has never been a member of NATO and, unfortunately, was not protected by any major security alliance. He emphasised that wars do not occur on the territory of NATO countries, but Ukraine, which is at war, "has the right to demand serious and strong security guarantees from the world, which constantly claims leadership, and from countries that claim peace in the world."
Zelensky blames NATO? "It didn't have a unified stance"
According to Zelensky, the issue of security guarantees depends not only on the United States but also on the position of European allies. - And, I will tell you honestly, unfortunately, with all due respect to all European countries, to the United States, and with all due respect to the volume [of aid] that has been given to us since the beginning of the war, but NATO did not have the joint support of the United States with all its allies in Europe - Zelensky noted.
He recalled that "there are countries that opposed our chance in NATO," naming the USA, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. The President added that Ukraine was not seen as part of the alliance, which is one of the reasons for the current war.
- Because they weren't afraid that Ukraine would be with someone. That is, Putin understood that no one would stand up for Ukraine. He understood that his army was bigger, he could destroy us. But the Ukrainian army, they amazed the whole world - emphasized Zelensky.
On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump said he "could understand Russian feelings" regarding Ukraine's pursuit of NATO and warned that the war could escalate.
During the conference, Trump also suggested that Ukraine should never join the Alliance, expressing understanding for Russia's demands on the matter. He also stated that Joe Biden's decision to refuse to exclude the possibility of Ukraine's future accession to NATO was the reason for Russian aggression.
