Ukraine’s membership in NATO is “possible,” but Kyiv must work hard to convince allies to make it a reality, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a speech to Ukrainian diplomats on Sunday (22 December).

Ukraine’s membership in NATO is “possible,” but Kyiv must work hard to convince allies to make it a reality, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a speech to Ukrainian diplomats on Sunday (22 December). “We all understand that Ukraine's invitation to Nato and membership in the alliance can only be a political decision,” Zelensky said at the gathering in Kyiv. He added, “Alliance for Ukraine is achievable, but it is achievable only if we fight for this decision at all the necessary levels.” Also read: Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after drone attack in Kazan Zelensky underscored the importance of showing NATO allies how Ukraine’s inclusion would contribute to the alliance and help stabilise global relations. His comments came as Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened more “destruction” in Ukraine following a drone attack on the Russian city of Kazan. In a televised government meeting on Sunday, Putin said, “Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country.” Putin also held talks with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, marking a rare visit by an EU and NATO leader to Moscow. Ukraine has long called for NATO to invite it into the alliance. While NATO has affirmed that Ukraine will join eventually, no timeline or formal invitation has been extended. Also read: Trump calls Panama Canal fees 'ridiculous', threatens to take back control Zelensky has previously suggested that NATO membership could initially apply to territories not occupied by Russia, potentially helping to end the active phase of the war. After recent discussions with NATO and EU leaders in Brussels, he said that European commitments to Ukraine’s defence would “not be sufficient” without the involvement of the United States. Following the Brussels meetings, Zelensky described NATO as Ukraine’s “true guarantee” against Moscow. He said that there's a growing understanding among allies of the threat posed by Putin, adding, “There is some political will and understanding that Putin is dangerous … and total understanding that he will not stop in Ukraine.” (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says Ukraine’s NATO membership is ‘achievable’ but diplomats need to fight for it

Kyiv, Ukraine
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Ukraine’s membership in NATO is “possible,” but Kyiv must work hard to convince allies to make it a reality, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a speech to Ukrainian diplomats on Sunday (22 December).
“We all understand that Ukraine's invitation to Nato and membership in the alliance can only be a political decision,” Zelensky said at the gathering in Kyiv. He added, “Alliance for Ukraine is achievable, but it is achievable only if we fight for this decision at all the necessary levels.”
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-will-regret-putin-vows-destruction-on-ukraine-after-drone-attack-in-kazan-786010" target="_blank">Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after drone attack in Kazan</a>
Zelensky underscored the importance of showing NATO allies how Ukraine’s inclusion would contribute to the alliance and help stabilise global relations.
His comments came as Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened more “destruction” in Ukraine following a drone attack on the Russian city of Kazan. In a televised government meeting on Sunday, Putin said, “Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country.”
Putin also held talks with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, marking a rare visit by an EU and NATO leader to Moscow.
Ukraine has long called for NATO to invite it into the alliance. While NATO has affirmed that Ukraine will join eventually, no timeline or formal invitation has been extended.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-panama-of-ripping-off-the-us-with-excessive-fees-threatens-to-take-back-control-786029" target="_blank">Trump calls Panama Canal fees 'ridiculous', threatens to take back control</a>
Zelensky has previously suggested that NATO membership could initially apply to territories not occupied by Russia, potentially helping to end the active phase of the war. After recent discussions with NATO and EU leaders in Brussels, he said that European commitments to Ukraine’s defence would “not be sufficient” without the involvement of the United States.
Following the Brussels meetings, Zelensky described NATO as Ukraine’s “true guarantee” against Moscow. He said that there's a growing understanding among allies of the threat posed by Putin, adding, “There is some political will and understanding that Putin is dangerous … and total understanding that he will not stop in Ukraine.”
(With inputs from agencies)

“We all understand that Ukraine's invitation to Nato and membership in the alliance can only be a political decision,” Zelensky said at the gathering in Kyiv. He added, “Alliance for Ukraine is achievable, but it is achievable only if we fight for this decision at all the necessary levels.”



Kyiv, Ukraine Ukraine’s membership in NATO is “possible,” but Kyiv must work hard to convince allies to make it a reality, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a speech to Ukrainian diplomats on Sunday (22 December). “We all understand that Ukraine's invitation to Nato and membership in the alliance can only be a political decision,” Zelensky said at the gathering in Kyiv. He added, “Alliance for Ukraine is achievable, but it is achievable only if we fight for this decision at all the necessary levels.” Also read: Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after drone attack in Kazan Zelensky underscored the importance of showing NATO allies how Ukraine’s inclusion would contribute to the alliance and help stabilise global relations. His comments came as Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened more “destruction” in Ukraine following a drone attack on the Russian city of Kazan. In a televised government meeting on Sunday, Putin said, “Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country.” Putin also held talks with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, marking a rare visit by an EU and NATO leader to Moscow. Ukraine has long called for NATO to invite it into the alliance. While NATO has affirmed that Ukraine will join eventually, no timeline or formal invitation has been extended. Also read: Trump calls Panama Canal fees 'ridiculous', threatens to take back control Zelensky has previously suggested that NATO membership could initially apply to territories not occupied by Russia, potentially helping to end the active phase of the war. After recent discussions with NATO and EU leaders in Brussels, he said that European commitments to Ukraine’s defence would “not be sufficient” without the involvement of the United States. Following the Brussels meetings, Zelensky described NATO as Ukraine’s “true guarantee” against Moscow. He said that there's a growing understanding among allies of the threat posed by Putin, adding, “There is some political will and understanding that Putin is dangerous … and total understanding that he will not stop in Ukraine.” (With inputs from agencies)

Amid Finland and Sweden's application for NATO membership, France's Europe minister Clement Beaune has reportedly said Ukraine's EU&nbsp;membership is "15 or 20 years" away.

Beaune speaking to a local radio station said: "We have to be honest. If you say Ukraine is going to join the EU in six months, or a year or two, you're lying," he said, adding, "It's probably in 15 or 20 years, it takes a long time."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-rules-out-ceasefire-says-russia-might-hit-harder-after-break-481120">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine rules out ceasefire, says Russia might hit harder after break</a>

President Macron had earlier sought to create a "European political community" to ensure Ukraine can join the European block later, however, the move was dismissed by Zelensky who asked for EU membership.

President Putin had repeatedly warned Ukraine against joining the European military alliance before the invasion. After the Russian president announced his "special military operation" on February 24 against Ukraine, Finland and Sweden began preparing to join NATO.

Watch:&nbsp;Moscow mulls prisoner swap with Kyiv

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-mulls-prisoner-swap-with-kyiv-481202/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, President Erdogan has expressed displeasure over Finland and Sweden joining NATO blaming them for harbouring "terrorists" referring to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants.

Erdogan in a phone call to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said the country should stop "financial and arms support to terrorist organisations".

Sweden and Finland gave up decades of neutrality as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, however, President Putin had expressed displeasure at&nbsp;the Nordic nations joining NATO.

Russia cut gas supply to Finland complaining it hadn't paid in roubles which were widely seen as a retaliation to join NATO.

US President Joe Biden had backed Finland and Sweden's membership asserting that it would "make NATO stronger".

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid Finland and Sweden's application for NATO membership, France's Europe minister Clement Beaune has reportedly said Ukraine's EU membership is "15 or 20 years" away.

Amid Finland and Sweden's application for NATO membership, France's Europe minister Clement Beaune has reportedly said Ukraine's EU membership is "15 or 20 years" away. Beaune speaking to a local radio station said: "We have to be honest. If you say Ukraine is going to join the EU in six months, or a year or two, you're lying," he said, adding, "It's probably in 15 or 20 years, it takes a long time." Also Read: Ukraine rules out ceasefire, says Russia might hit harder after break President Macron had earlier sought to create a "European political community" to ensure Ukraine can join the European block later, however, the move was dismissed by Zelensky who asked for EU membership. President Putin had repeatedly warned Ukraine against joining the European military alliance before the invasion. After the Russian president announced his "special military operation" on February 24 against Ukraine, Finland and Sweden began preparing to join NATO. Watch: Moscow mulls prisoner swap with Kyiv However, President Erdogan has expressed displeasure over Finland and Sweden joining NATO blaming them for harbouring "terrorists" referring to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants. Erdogan in a phone call to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said the country should stop "financial and arms support to terrorist organisations". Sweden and Finland gave up decades of neutrality as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, however, President Putin had expressed displeasure at the Nordic nations joining NATO. Russia cut gas supply to Finland complaining it hadn't paid in roubles which were widely seen as a retaliation to join NATO. US President Joe Biden had backed Finland and Sweden's membership asserting that it would "make NATO stronger". (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine's EU membership '15 or 20 years' away, says French minister

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Zelensky says Ukraine’s NATO membership is ‘achievable’ but diplomats need to fight for it

Zelensky says Ukraine’s NATO membership is ‘achievable’ but diplomats need to fight for it

Ukraine's EU membership '15 or 20 years' away, says French minister