The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that Ukraine has the right to demand strong security guarantees to prevent Russia from attacking Ukraine again. As reported by UNIAN correspondent, Zelensky made this statement during a meeting with the current OSCE Chairperson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Elina Valtonen.
In particular, the head of state commented on the recent statements by the elected U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that Ukraine has never been seen as a member of NATO and that the new president understands the Russians on this issue.
"I will tell you frankly, we have never been in NATO, and there is nothing new for me in the fact that Ukraine, unfortunately, has not been protected by a serious alliance of security guarantors," Zelensky said.
The President of Ukraine noted that countries that are members of the Alliance do not experience war. At the same time, Ukraine was not in NATO and was attacked by Russia.
"To be honest, I believe we have the right to demand from the world that constantly claims leadership, and from countries that aspire to peace in the world - I believe we have the right to demand serious, strong security guarantees," Zelensky emphasized.
He added that he had discussed this with Trump during his first presidential term, then with President Joe Biden, and now he is again speaking with Trump, who is preparing to return to the White House on January 20. Zelensky added:
"I have constantly raised the issue of security guarantees. Unfortunately, it depends not only on the United States but also on the allied position in Europe. And I will tell you frankly, unfortunately, with all due respect to all the countries of Europe and to the United States, and with all due respect to the volume of [aid] we have been provided since the beginning of the war, there has not been unified support in NATO from the United States with all its allies in Europe."
The head of state reminded that there are countries that opposed Ukraine's NATO membership.
"And that was America, and that was Germany, and that was Hungary, and that was Slovakia. And that is a fact. And if we speak openly, we must pay attention and say honestly - they do not see us there. And I believe this is one of the reasons why we have a war," Zelensky is convinced.
He believes that the Russians were not afraid of Ukraine being allied with anyone. "In other words, Putin understood that no one would come to Ukraine's defense. He realized that his army was larger and that he could destroy us. But the Ukrainian army of strong people and our nation - they have astonished the whole world. And today we are saying and want this, and I raised this issue with President Trump, that we want this not to happen again," Zelensky emphasized.
In his opinion, it is crucial for Ukrainians to return from abroad, from different countries.
"Because one can say in Europe that we would like Ukrainians to return, but at the same time not support security guarantees for Ukraine. This somehow does not add up. At least in my mind and, I believe, in the mind of every Ukrainian who wants to return to Ukraine and have security guarantees for their family. To have something concrete. That is what we want - we want concrete security guarantees. And we are asking for this from the union of America and Europe. And I will talk about this with the President of the United States," Zelensky emphasized.
At the same time, the President of Ukraine calls for not jumping to conclusions immediately.
"Do not make immediate conclusions regarding the policies of the United States," Zelensky urged.
He reminded how Ukraine was previously told that Patriot systems could only be in NATO countries, but over time this changed. Zelensky emphasized:
"We should not make hasty conclusions. This was the case for us with the 'Patriots', this was the case with missile systems and other NATO standard weapons. We need to work on this and do everything possible so that Ukraine receives worthy, deserving security guarantees for our people that could stop Putin. We will work on this."
Separately, the President of Ukraine noted that previously no one believed that Finland would one day become a NATO member, and today Ukraine is very happy that this country has gained membership.
Ukraine's NATO Membership - Trump's Position
As is known, recently Trump stated that Russia had been saying long before Vladimir Putin came to power that Ukraine would never be a member of NATO. At the same time, according to Trump, President Joe Biden has been in favor of Ukraine having the opportunity to join the Alliance. Therefore, as Trump noted, he understands the feelings of the Russians.