Work on NATO for Ukraine should not be limited to office efforts – Zelenskyy

Work on NATO for Ukraine must go beyond office discussions. Diplomats, in relations with relevant countries and all others that can assist in important decisions, should work daily to influence public opinion - using effective means, not merely convenient ones.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement during his speech on the occasion of Diplomat’s Day.

The Head of State emphasized the need to further substantiate Ukraine's efforts with NATO.

“We all understand that inviting Ukraine to NATO and membership in the Alliance are exclusively political decisions. Courage from leaders is always required to make such decisions. But the courage of leaders on issues like changing the geopolitical view of a country or recognizing global mistakes of the past in their country is always based on the demands of public opinion,” he noted.

When society takes a step forward, Zelenskyy added, it becomes difficult for a country's leader, even those of the old school, to remain on previous positions.

“That’s why it’s crucial for NATO-related work for Ukraine not to be confined to office settings. Diplomats, in relations with relevant countries and all others that can aid in critical decisions, must daily shape public opinion using effective tools, not just those that are convenient. Partners need to know what Ukraine can offer the Alliance, why it benefits everyone, and how it stabilizes global relations,” Zelenskyy said.

The Alliance, Ukraine’s leader assured, is achievable for Ukraine. However, it is only achievable if the fight for this decision is waged at all necessary levels.

Read also:

• The Russian army struck Kyiv with "Kinzhal" and "Iskander" missiles: what is known about the attack

• Russia launched the largest cyberattack on Ukraine’s state registers in recent times

• Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant again on the brink of blackout

• Russia's escalation contradicts its public calls for peace talks – IMF