Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, emphasized that the eventual accession of Ukraine to NATO, as the ultimate security guarantee, is ultimately in the hands of Donald Trump, the newly inaugurated president of the U.S.
According to Zelensky, although the majority of NATO allies support Ukraine's membership, currently four member countries, including the U.S., Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary, oppose this possibility. However, the Ukrainian president stressed that the final decision rests with the United States and specifically with President Trump.
Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine's membership in NATO would not only benefit his country but also the U.S., Europe, and Russia, as it would represent a commitment that would prevent future conflicts. In this regard, he mentioned that Trump's decision to support or not support Ukraine's integration into NATO will determine the course of events.
Despite not wanting to speculate on the number of foreign soldiers that might be necessary in the event of possible NATO membership, Zelensky indicated that there would be at least 200,000. Furthermore, he reaffirmed Ukraine's stance of not recognizing the Russian occupation of its territory and emphasized that treating the parties involved in the conflict equally would be a defeat for Ukraine, as they consider their country the victim and not the instigator of the war.
Zelensky also pointed out that Ukraine's integration into NATO would be the most economical option to resolve the current situation, compared to alternatives such as deploying European peacekeeping forces. Regarding Russia, the Ukrainian president was clear in blaming Putin for starting the conflict and considering him responsible for the current situation.
