Mr. Zelenskyy calls on NATO to ensure security before negotiations with Russia

(CLO) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed on Sunday (December 1) that Ukraine needs security guarantees from NATO and more weapons before entering into any negotiations with Russia.

Mr. Zelenskyy's statement was made after meeting with the new President of the European Council Antonio Costa and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas during their first visit to Kiev to show support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa, in Kiev, on December 1, 2024. Photo: AP

"The invitation to Ukraine to join NATO is essential for our survival," Mr. Zelenskyy said at a press conference with Mr. Costa.

The above statement of the Ukrainian President took place in the context of Ukraine losing ground on the battlefield, while facing uncertainty from US aid.

US President-elect Donald Trump will take office in January next year. Many fear that Mr Trump could force Kiev to make concessions in order to reach a quick peace deal.

Therefore, Mr. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs to have a "strong position" before any negotiations with Russia, including "steps forward with NATO" and a "large number" of long-range weapons for self-defense.

Mr Costa affirmed the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine: "We have been with you from the first day of this war, and you can rest assured that we will continue to be with you."

Mr Zelenskyy said on Friday that an invitation to join NATO for Kiev-controlled territories could help “end the hot phase of the war”. He warned that if Ukraine did not gain a strong position, conflict could recur within two to five years.

However, the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO quickly remains remote, due to opposition from many members concerned about the risk of being drawn into a war with Russia. President Zelenskyy also acknowledged the reluctance of the US or Hungary to let Ukraine join NATO.

EU representative Kaja Kallas suggested that the EU needs to have a flexible strategy, not even excluding the possibility of deploying European troops to help enforce the ceasefire. She also stressed that aid to Ukraine is not an “act of charity” but a strategic benefit for the West.

According to the Kiel Institute, the European Union has spent about $125 billion to support Ukraine since 2022, while the US has contributed more than $90 billion.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-zelenskyy-noi-chi-dam-phan-voi-nga-neu-duoc-nato-dam-bao-an-ninh-post323764.html