Ukraine willing to renounce NATO goal under conditions
Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky announced on December 14 that Ukraine is prepared to give up its bid for NATO membership. This major strategic shift, however, is strictly conditional.
For the withdrawal of the application to occur, Zelensky stated that the US and European nations must offer legally binding security pacts similar to NATO's Article 5 as part of the ongoing negotiations for a proposed Russia Ukraine peace plan.
This move marks a significant change for Ukraine. The country has a constitutional commitment to joining NATO as its primary defense against Russian aggression, as noted by Reuters. While this concession fulfills one of Russia's core war objectives, Kyiv has so far maintained a firm stance against any territorial concessions to Moscow.
"Since the beginning, Ukraine's desire has been to join NATO, as these are real security guarantees. Some partners in the US and Europe have not supported this direction," Zelensky said, speaking to reporters in an online media briefing, according to the Financial Times.
He elaborated on the conditions: "Therefore, today, bilateral security guarantees between Ukraine and the US, US guarantees similar to Article 5, and security guarantees from European colleagues, as well as other countries—Canada, Japan—represent an opportunity to prevent another Russian invasion."
"And it is already a compromise on our part," he added, emphasizing the need for the security guarantees to be legally enforceable.
Ukraine and European leaders are currently working on a 20-point peace plan drafted by the US. This draft reportedly includes provisions for some Russian control over disputed territories.
Zelensky stated that he has not yet received a response from the White House regarding the revisions he proposed to the plan's framework.
Zelensky’s comments coincide with discussions held by German, British, and French officials on December 14 regarding proposals to end the war. These discussions precede a high-level meeting on Monday, December 15, which the respective leaders will attend.
US envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Zelensky, who will also be received by German Chancellor Merz in Berlin on December 15.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine formally renounce its NATO ambitions. Putin has also insisted that Kyiv withdraw its troops from territory in the Donbas still under its control (estimated at about 10% of the region). Moscow also requires that Ukraine adopt a position of neutrality and prohibit the stationing of any NATO troops on its soil.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
