President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday said Ukraine has revealed why Ukraine Will not join NATO anytime soon.
Ukrainian president’s statement comes as three EU leaders arrive in city to express solidarity amid heavy bombardment
At least five people were killed in the latest artillery barrage on Kyiv, prompting its city hall to impose a 35-hour curfew from Tuesday night amid further signs that the focus of the Russian campaign has shifted to the destruction of residential areas and civilian infrastructure.
Zelenskiy made his remarks about Nato while addressing leaders from the new Joint Expeditionary Force, a UK-led initiative bringing together 10 north Atlantic countries to create a capability for responding rapidly to crises.
He accepted that it will not become a member of NATO.
Zelensky said it’s time for Ukraine to accept it wouldn’t join NATO.
“Ukraine is not a member of NATO. We understand that.
“We have heard for years that the doors were open, but we also heard that we could not join. It’s a truth and it must be recognized,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian President said this during a call with the country’s military leaders on Tuesday.
The possibility of joining NATO, a US-led military alliance, was one of the reasons Russia launched an attack on Ukraine in February.
The Russian invasion has so far led to the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II with over three millions scampering for safety including children.
