President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine must recognise
that it cannot be a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Speaking during a video conference with the UK-led joint
expeditionary force on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said it is a truth that must be
recognised by the Ukrainian people.
“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 recognised,” Zelensky said.
“I am glad that our people are beginning to understand this
and rely on themselves and the partners who are helping us.”
Part of Russia’s demands on Ukraine is for the country not
to be a member of NATO.
Since the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army, NATO
allies have sent military equipment, financial assistance, and humanitarian aid
to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia.
The alliance, however, ruled out sending troops to
Ukraine, saying such a move would
“trigger direct confrontation with Russia”.
US President Joe Biden had warned that a “NATO-Russia
confrontation might lead to World War III”.
Although Zelenskyy had asked for the closing of its airspace
to Russia to protect Ukrainian civilians, NATO ruled out such a move.
NATO had said taking such an action could result in a
“full-fledged war in Europe involving many more countries”.
DEMANDS FOR CEASEFIRE AS NEGOTIATION CONTINUES
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are expected to
continue as the Russian troops press in on Kyiv, the country’s capital.
On Monday, Russia told Ukraine it is ready to halt military
operations “in a moment” if it meets a list of its conditions.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin’s spokesman, had said Moscow was
demanding that Ukraine cease its military action, amend its constitution to enshrine
neutrality, and reject plans to enter any bloc; recognise Crimea as Russian
territory, and the separatist republics of Donetsk and Lugansk as independent
states.
“We really are finishing the demilitarisation of Ukraine. We
will finish it. But the main thing is that Ukraine ceases its military action.
They should stop their military action and then no one will shoot,” he added.
After the last meeting between the two countries, Zelenskyy
had said Russia’s demands are becoming “more realistic”, adding that more time
is needed for ”the talks”.
“The meetings continue, and, I am informed, the positions
during the negotiations already sound more realistic,” he said.
“Efforts are still needed, patience is needed. Any war ends
with an agreement.”
The Ukrainian president also appealed for more weapons and
sanctions on Russia.
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