Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that NATO membership offers must cover all Ukrainian territories, rejecting any acknowledgment of Russian-occupied areas. He called for rapid NATO support to cease active combat, while Ukraine faces heightened Russian military pressure. The recent military leadership changes reflect a strategy to enhance defense capabilities. Zelensky’s initiatives coincide with discussions on further NATO support at an upcoming meeting in Brussels.
In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky articulated that any offer of NATO membership must include all territories within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders to avoid acknowledging the loss of occupied regions to Russia. He asserted, “You can’t give an invitation to just one part of a country… legally, by law, we have no right to recognize the occupied territory as territory of Russia.” Zelensky emphasized that NATO’s support is crucial in halting the ongoing conflict and suggested that Ukraine’s territories currently under its control should be covered by NATO’s defense structure to facilitate diplomatic recovery of lost areas.
Amid ongoing Russian offensives and the shifting frontline dynamics, Ukraine is facing increasing military pressures, receiving attacks from both drone attacks and ground advances. Zelensky is also restructuring military leadership to enhance battlefield effectiveness, appointing new commanders to strengthen positions along critical locations. Meanwhile, NATO allies are discussing further support for Ukraine against Russian aggression during an upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
The discourse surrounding Ukraine’s NATO membership is notably complex, stemming from the ongoing conflict with Russia since 2022. The territorial integrity of Ukraine is paramount for Zelensky, who views NATO membership as a pathway to reinforce national security and halt warfare. The NATO summit in July established Ukraine’s path to membership as ‘irreversible.’ However, clarity regarding Ukraine’s borders is essential before any official invitation is extended. The tension remains heightened as Russia continues to make incremental territorial gains, prompting concerns about the stability and future of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
President Zelensky’s recent statements underscore the necessity for a unified approach towards NATO membership that encompasses all of Ukraine’s territorial claims. As military confrontations intensify, the urgency of securing NATO’s backing is palpable. The restructuring of Ukraine’s military leadership signifies readiness to adapt to battlefield conditions, while ongoing international support discussions reinforce Ukraine’s position in the broader geopolitical landscape. The challenges ahead necessitate concerted efforts to maintain territorial integrity amidst ongoing aggression.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
