Zelenskyy: If Ukraine does not join NATO, Ukraine will build its own NATO

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, photo: Getty Images

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that if Ukraine does not become a member of the North Atlantic Alliance, it is necessary to «build its own NATO».

He said this in an interview with the Economist.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine's membership in NATO seems unlikely at the moment due to the resistance of Germany and Hungary. However, he believes that this may change if US President Donald Trump «asks for it».

The head of state also added that if the doors of the Alliance «remain closed», then Ukraine should «build its own NATO» — that is, strengthen its own army.

«We must double our army. To be on a par with the Russian army», the president said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, strengthening its own army without joining NATO is Ukraine's «Plan B».

As a reminder, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hagel said that Ukraine's membership in NATO and a return to the 2014 borders are unrealistic scenarios for a peaceful settlement of the war. He is convinced that this will cause even more suffering and bloodshed.