Zelenskyy: NATO membership remains Ukraine’s primary objective, and its military could provide value for the Alliance.

President Zelenskyy noted that without security guarantees from allies, any agreement concluded with Russia will only delay the country’s future aggression. NATO membership remains Ukraine’s priority. Zelenskyy also believes this is the “cheapest” option for Ukraine’s allies to provide a security guarantee, and it would also strengthen Trump in terms of geopolitical power.

“This will be a signal that it is not Russia that will decide who should be in NATO, but the US. This is a big victory for Trump,” the president noted.

In addition, according to Ukrainian leader, an 800,000-strong Ukrainian military would be a welcome addition to the Alliance, especially if Trump seeks to bring home American troops stationed abroad.

Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine’s security guarantees should include provision of sufficient weaponry from the US and Europe, as well as support for Kyiv as it develops its domestic defense industry.

A French proposal to deploy European forces in Ukraine is currently being discussed, but many questions regarding its implementation remain unanswered.