Zelenskyy: «Ukraine needs to receive an invitation to join NATO in order to end the war»

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that in order to end the war, Ukraine needs to receive an invitation to join NATO.

He said this in an interview with CBN News.

Zelenskyy noted that this will not only be an important step to ensure Ukraine's security, but also «a powerful signal for the Kremlin.»

In addition, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine does not recognize the territories legally occupied by Russia, but diplomatic efforts will be aimed at achieving a stable and safe peace that will be beneficial for Ukraine.

«Many people used to live there. They lost their homes, some gave their lives, many people are in captivity, tens of thousands of children were deported. They destroyed a lot of things. How can we recognize our land as Russian? So forgive them everything? Therefore, it is legally impossible. But. But diplomatically, one must achieve one's goals. The goals are a stable and secure peace, and a faster one for Ukraine,» the president added.

Are Ukrainians ready to join NATO?

According to the results of a survey commissioned by the «New Europe» Center, more than 70% of Ukrainians support the idea of joining NATO on the model of West Germany, which joined the Alliance 40 years earlier than East Germany.

The respondents were asked whether they support the idea of gradual accession to NATO according to the so-called «model of West Germany», which became a member of NATO in 1955. Ukrainians supported such an idea for Ukraine, saying that the guarantees of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty should not initially be extended to the territories that remain under the occupation of Russia.

It should be noted that earlier the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that Ukraine refuses security guarantees that may be offered as an alternative to the country's membership in NATO.

It should also be noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy assumes that in the event of Ukraine's accession to NATO, Article 5 on collective security will not apply to the entire territory. But the invitation cannot be «in parts».

As you know, Ukraine is asking NATO to give it an invitation to join the military alliance.