Zelenskyy Pushes for NATO Membership as Russian Attacks Persist
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to appeal for NATO membership, arguing it is essential for his nation’s survival amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. Speaking on Sunday, he declared, "An invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is a necessary thing for our survival." Zelenskyy believes that under NATO’s protection, "the hot war" could cease, allowing Ukraine to reclaim Russian-occupied territories through diplomatic means.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine wouldn’t enter any peace negotiations until they secure stronger guarantees from NATO, including more weapons to bolster their defenses. “Only when we have all these items and we are strong, after that, we have to make the very important agenda of meeting with Spazierer one or another of the killers," he said. He emphasized that both the EU and NATO should participate in any future negotiations.
These calls for support come as a new delegation arrives in Kyiv. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s new top diplomat, and Antonio Costa, the EU council chief, are visiting Ukraine on their first day in office, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Kallas echoed Zelenskyy’s sentiment, emphasizing that "the strongest security guarantee" for Ukraine is NATO membership.
"We need to definitely discuss this – if Ukraine decides to draw the line somewhere, then how can we secure peace so that Putin doesn’t go any further,” Kallas remarked. She also acknowledged the possibility of sending European troops to enforce a ceasefire, stating, "We should have this strategic ambiguity around this.”
These high-level negotiations come as the humanitarian cost of the war continues to rise. On Sunday, the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson was struck by a Russian drone attack, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and injuring seven others. This follows a pattern of Russian assaults on Kherson, despite the city being liberated in late 2022.
Meanwhile, the war’s global repercussions are unfolding. In a surprising development, Syrian rebels have captured the city of Aleppo, strategically capitalizing on a waning Russian military presence in the region. As the Guardian’s defense editor Dan Sabbagh observed, "It was not Kyiv that fell in three days, but Aleppo … Russia is not the force it was in Syria in the last decade." He adds that Moscow’s military focus has clearly shifted resource-wise to its invasion of Ukraine.
Adding another layer of complexity, Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has accused China of supplying weapons to Russia and undermining global peace. She stated:
“Instead of taking responsibility for peace and security in the world as a permanent member of the UN security council, China is opposing our core European interests with its economic and weapons aid to Russia."
Baerbock, who will meet with her Chinese counterpart next week, highlighted how security in Europe is intrinsically linked to the stability of Asia. She voiced concerns about the potential consequences of North Korea sending troops and weapons to Ukraine as Russia supports Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
Finally, amidst rising anxieties about the potential escalation of the conflict, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has firmly stated that the U.S. is not considering restoring Ukraine’s nuclear weapons capability. He reassuringly told ABC News, "That is not under consideration, no. What we are doing is surging various conventional capacities to Ukraine so that they can effectively defend themselves and take the fight to the Russians, not nuclear capability."
These developments demonstrate the complexities of the ongoing conflict, with the global implications of the war continuing to unfold.
## Zelenskyy’s Gamble: NATO Membership as Ukraine’s Only Path to Peace?
**World today News Exclusive Interview with Dr. Sophia Ivanov, Senior Fellow at the Brookings institution**
**World Today News (WTN):** Dr. Ivanov, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has stated that NATO membership is “essential for Ukraine’s survival” amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. What are your thoughts on this assertion?
**Dr. Ivanov:** Zelenskyy’s call for NATO membership is understandable but incredibly complex. It reflects Ukraine’s desperate need for security guarantees causally linked to the ongoing Russian aggression.
**WTN:** zelenskyy argues that with NATO protection,Ukraine could end the “hot war” and reclaim occupied territories through diplomacy. Is this a realistic scenario?
**Dr. Ivanov:** While desirable, it’s a highly optimistic scenario. NATO membership requires unanimous agreement from all members. Many, particularly those bordering Russia, are hesitant to provoke further escalation. Even with membership, military intervention in an active conflict is unlikely.
**WTN:** zelenskyy is also demanding more weapons from NATO before even considering peace talks. Is this a negotiating tactic or a genuine prerequisite for peace?
**Dr.Ivanov:** It’s undoubtedly both. Zelenskyy needs to demonstrate Ukraine’s resoluteness and impress upon the West the severity of their situation. By demanding stronger defenses, he aims to ensure Ukraine enters any potential negotiation from a position of strength, not desperation.
**WTN:** What are the potential risks and rewards of Ukraine joining NATO at this juncture?
**Dr. Ivanov:** The risks are notable. Russian President Putin has explicitly stated that NATO expansion is a security threat, and UkraineS accession could trigger a wider conflict.
the rewards, however, are potentially significant. NATO membership would provide Ukraine with a collective security guarantee,deterring further Russian aggression and bolstering their defense capabilities. It could also solidify Ukraine’s democratic path and strengthen its integration with the West.
**WTN:** How do you see this situation unfolding?
**dr. Ivanov:** It’s a calculated gamble by President Zelenskyy.He’s betting that the West’s fear of Russian escalation is outweighed by its commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty. The outcome will depend heavily on the internal dynamics within NATO and the willingness of Western powers to take on the considerable risks associated with Ukrainian membership.
**WTN:** Thank you,Dr. Ivanov, for your insightful analysis.
**Dr. Ivanov:** It’s my pleasure.
