Does Ukraine have an alternative to NATO membership? Zelenskyy responds
Real security guarantees are important not only for Ukraine but also for Western investors.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Photo: Associated Press
In addition to NATO membership, there are various formats for security guarantees, but none of them are suitable for Ukraine.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Kyodo News.
"Let’s look at our Budapest Memorandum. It was also a strong document, with countries like the USA, the UK, France, China, and Russia - the most powerful countries - guaranteeing Ukraine’s security. And it didn’t work. Is there an alternative to NATO? Based on our experience, no," the President said.
Zelenskyy also mentioned the experience of the Minsk agreements.
"After 2014, when our lands were first occupied, the Minsk agreement was signed, and the parties signed it. This is, by the way, about the same "frozen conflict" that everyone constantly offers us. But I say it won’t work, and we won’t go for it because it would lead to the third stage of full-scale war in a few years. Here’s an example - the Minsk agreements. In a few years, Putin prepared, strengthened his army, and came to destroy us. So, when we ask whether there is an alternative to NATO, maybe there is, but not in our experience. And we don’t want any more risks. Enough," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He stressed that Ukraine cannot "step on the same rake" for the third time. The President adds that guarantees that Russia will not come back with occupation are important not only for Ukraine but also for businesses and Western investors.
"NATO is security. For Ukraine, and for our partners. For many in the region," Zelenskyy concluded.
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