As US and Russian diplomats prepare for high-stakes negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renews his appeal for NATO membership, emphasizing that Ukraine will build its own NATO-style defense if left out of the alliance.
Kyiv [Ukraine], February 24: As US and Russian diplomats prepare to meet next week, following talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a strong call for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
In a bold statement, Zelenskyy warned that if Ukraine is not admitted into NATO, his country will build its own version of the alliance within its borders, ensuring its military strength is sufficient to deter future Russian aggression.
“NATO is the most cost-effective option for preventing another war. It is the simplest and most logical solution. If Ukraine does not join NATO, we will have to create NATO within Ukraine,” Zelenskyy wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“We Need Real Security Guarantees”—Zelenskyy’s Economic & Military Strategy
Elaborating on Ukraine’s security vision, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a comprehensive system of guarantees—military, economic, and political.
“This means maintaining an army strong enough to repel aggression, financing it, producing and storing enough of our own weapons, and negotiating with our partners about their participation to deter Russia from starting another war,” he stated.
He further underscored that security is not just about military strength but also economic stability, hinting at ongoing negotiations with the United States for a long-term economic and security agreement.
“Security guarantees are also about economic agreements. There is a lot of media talk about this. Our teams are working every day and making great progress. Ukraine wants a strong agreement—one that guarantees security and lays a solid foundation for our economic partnership with the United States for decades to come,” he added.
Zelenskyy vs. Trump—A Growing War of Words
The developments come amid rising tensions between Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump following the Riyadh talks.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Ukraine, calling Zelenskyy a “dictator” and even suggesting that Ukraine started the war—a claim that has further fueled diplomatic friction.
Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy remains defiant, asserting that Ukraine’s resilience is due to the heroic efforts of its soldiers and the unwavering support of its allies.
“Ukraine stands strong because of the heroic efforts of our soldiers and everyone supporting the front. Ukrainians are a very strong people, and we have proven this,” he concluded.
What’s Next?
With Ukraine’s NATO membership still uncertain and US-Russia talks looming, Zelenskyy’s firm stance signals Kyiv’s determination to secure its defense—whether within NATO or independently.
As tensions mount, the world awaits the outcome of these crucial negotiations, which could shape the future of Ukraine’s security and global stability.
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Ukraine NATO membership, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US-Russia talks, Ukraine war, NATO security, Ukraine defense strategy, economic agreements, Ukraine military, Donald Trump Ukraine, Zelenskyy Trump dispute, Russia Ukraine conflict