Zelensky Advocates Comprehensive NATO Membership for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that NATO membership must be extended to all Ukrainian territories, not just those currently under Kyiv’s control, to effectively end the active phase of the war with Russia. He underscored that recognizing occupied territories as Russian would contradict Ukraine’s constitutional laws, maintaining that NATO support is vital for safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and facilitating future negotiations to reclaim lost territories.

In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky articulated that extending NATO membership to only the part of Ukraine under Kyiv’s control could facilitate an end to the ongoing conflict. He asserted that any invitation to NATO must encompass all regions within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders to avoid legitimizing Russian claims on occupied territories. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits recognition of these territories as belonging to Russia, maintaining that NATO’s support is crucial for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and future diplomatic efforts to reclaim lost land. Furthermore, he expressed the urgency of securing NATO’s umbrella over controlled territories to halt the active phase of the war. Zelensky’s remarks align with his broader strategy for Ukraine’s engagement with the West and reflect the complexities posed by the current geopolitical landscape.

The backdrop of President Zelensky’s statements is the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has led to significant territorial changes since the invasion began in 2022. The discourse surrounding NATO membership for Ukraine has gained momentum, especially following the commitment made by NATO members at a summit in July 2024, which reinforced Ukraine’s path to membership, albeit with the necessary consideration of clearly defined borders. Given that Russia has occupied substantial parts of Ukraine, Zelensky’s position seeks to balance the legal and diplomatic challenges surrounding Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO integration while confronting the realities of the ongoing war.

In summary, President Zelensky’s emphasis on a comprehensive NATO invitation highlights the intersections of legal, territorial, and diplomatic challenges faced by Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. His statements advocate for immediate NATO support over currently held areas to pave the way for halting hostilities and facilitate Ukraine’s stronger negotiating position in reclaiming its occupied territories. As discussions advance among NATO members regarding Ukraine’s future, these principles remain crucial for understanding the strategic framework of the ongoing war.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com