Zelensky: Invitation to NATO, vital for Ukraine

2024-12-02 10:27:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Will Trump force Ukraine and Russia into a ceasefire? How will the EU react? Even President Zelensky spoke for a ceasefire, but on the condition that NATO defends the unoccupied territories.

At the weekend, Ukraine hosted high-level visits. The new head of the EU Council, the former head of the Portuguese government, Antonio Costa, and the head of foreign policy in the EU, Kaja Kallas, were on a visit to Kyiv. Promising term for the integration of Ukraine in the EU. Thus, the new President of the Council of the EU, Antonio Costa, said that membership negotiations with the EU can begin in at least two areas in the first half of 2025.

EU to provide a possible ceasefire?

Meanwhile, the new head of the EU's foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, reopened the discussion on Ukraine's membership in NATO. Kallas believes that it is possible that at some point soldiers from the member states will secure a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. "I think we really shouldn't rule anything out," the former Estonian prime minister said on the sidelines of talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and ministers in Kyiv. This is also important for strategic reasons.

The question of how to secure a possible cease-fire in Ukraine is currently gaining momentum mainly in the context of the impending change of power in the US. In the EU, the possibility is not excluded that Donald Trump, as president, will try to put pressure on Ukraine and Russia for negotiations and a ceasefire.

The Ukrainian president has again commented on Ukraine's desire to join NATO: "An invitation to join NATO is essential for Ukraine's survival." Zelenski has also come up with a proposal: placing the unoccupied territories of his country under the protection of NATO. According to him, only then a truce with Russia would be conceivable, "tagesschau" writes.

In the event of a ceasefire, Ukraine would need guarantees "that Putin will not return with attacks," Zelenskiy said in an interview with British television, Sky News. "If we want to end the hot phase of the war, we must defend the territory over which we have control," Zelenskiy said. "We need to do this quickly. And then Ukraine can regain other territories through diplomatic channels."

Invitation to NATO membership

According to Zelensky, an invitation to NATO should still be extended to all of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Zelenski added that his country has no right to recognize Russian occupied territories. The demand for an immediate invitation to NATO is part of the so-called "victory plan" that Zelensky presented in Washington, Berlin and other capitals in the fall. However, important NATO states - the US and Germany - are against the establishment of a quick membership for Ukraine in the transatlantic alliance. Even the plans that have so far been made known by the incoming US administration of Donald Trump do not foresee the membership of Kiev.

The demand for an immediate invitation to NATO is part of the so-called victory plan, which Zelensky presented in Washington, Berlin and other capitals in the fall. However, key NATO states - the US and Germany - are against establishing a fast track for Ukraine in the Western alliance. The plans that have so far been made known by the incoming US administration of Donald Trump do not foresee the membership of Kiev.

The war situation is tense

Meanwhile, the situation on the war front remains tense. Can the situation change with the change of military personnel? This is exactly what Zelenski ordered, personnel changes in the command of the army. In a video speech, Zelensky announced the dismissal of army chief Olexander Pavlyuk.

His successor will be Major General Mykhailo Drapaty, who successfully stopped the Russian offensive in the eastern Kharkiv region, Zelensky said. "Changes are needed - changes in personnel management that will produce greater results on the battlefield."/ CNA