As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to ravage the nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ramping up pressure on NATO to provide security assurances and weapons support. In a recent meeting with the EU’s new top diplomat Kaja Kallas and EU Council Chief Antonio Costa in Kyiv, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for NATO protection and increased arms supplies to defend Ukraine.
“An invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is a necessary thing for our survival,” Zelenskyy declared, suggesting there was still time to persuade “skeptics” to back Ukraine’s membership bid. The president’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions about a potential “NATO umbrella” for areas currently under Kyiv’s control, which Zelenskyy believes could help end the “hot war” and pave the way for diplomatic efforts to regain Russian-occupied territories.
Calls for NATO Security Guarantees and Weapons Support
During the high-profile meeting with EU leaders, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine needed both security guarantees from NATO and a significant increase in weapons supplies before engaging in any talks with Russia. He called for concrete “steps forward with NATO” and a “good number” of long-range weapons to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
“Only when we have all these items and we are strong, after that, we have to make the very important … agenda of meeting with one or another of the killers,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing the importance of EU and NATO involvement in any future negotiations.
EU Leaders Show Support for Ukraine’s NATO Aspirations
The newly appointed EU leaders’ visit to Kyiv on their first day in office was a clear show of support for Ukraine’s cause. Kaja Kallas, who took over as the EU’s chief diplomat, reiterated the bloc’s commitment to Ukraine’s victory in the war.
“My message is clear: the European Union wants Ukraine to win this war,” Kallas affirmed, adding that the EU “shouldn’t really rule out anything” when it comes to the question of sending European troops to enforce a potential ceasefire.
Kallas’ stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations was equally supportive, stating that it was the “strongest security guarantee” for the war-torn nation. She urged for open discussions on the matter, particularly if Ukraine decides to “draw the line somewhere” in terms of regaining control over its territories.
Russian Attacks Continue as Tensions Rise
Even as diplomatic efforts gain momentum, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities persist. In a recent drone strike on the southern city of Kherson, at least three people were killed and seven others wounded, according to regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin. The attack targeted public transportation, serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict despite Russian forces’ withdrawal from Kherson in late 2022.
International Tensions and Concerns
The war in Ukraine has not only strained relations between Russia and the West but has also led to growing concerns about China’s role in the conflict. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently accused China of providing weapons to Russia, threatening peace in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
“Instead of taking responsibility for peace and security in the world as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is opposing our core European interests with its economic and weapons aid to Russia,” Baerbock stated, emphasizing the need to address this issue during her upcoming visit to Beijing.
Meanwhile, the White House has clarified that the US is not considering restoring Ukraine’s nuclear weapons capability, which the country gave up after the collapse of the Soviet Union. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan dismissed the idea, stating that the focus was on providing conventional military support to help Ukraine defend itself and “take the fight to the Russians.”
The Road Ahead for Ukraine and NATO
As the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, President Zelenskyy’s calls for NATO security guarantees and increased weapons support underscore the nation’s urgent need for international backing. With new EU leaders expressing support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, the coming months could prove crucial in shaping the future of Ukraine and its relationship with the Western alliance.
However, the path to NATO membership remains complex, with skeptics still to be convinced and the ever-present threat of Russian aggression looming large. As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the international community’s response and solidarity will be put to the test, with far-reaching implications for global security and stability.
