"We understand who our neighbor is and how they have violated international law. Besides NATO, there is no global 'umbrella'. When it comes to security guarantees, there are bilateral guarantees; I have signed over 20 documents with partners, and they indeed contain various security assurances – financial support, weapons, air defense, humanitarian aid, medical assistance, energy support, etc. Sanction policies – all of these are security guarantees. However, if we are discussing a model where no one can come onto your land and into your home with weapons, specifically the protection of your borders, we are only referring to the current model that exists among NATO countries," the president stated.
He emphasized that Ukraine believes in the mentioned security guarantees and NATO's protection, and the invitation to join the Alliance is the first step that demonstrates goodwill.
"This is important to accomplish. This first step, by the way, sends a clear signal to Putin or any aggressor: Ukraine will be a member of NATO. We understand that America and other partners cannot bring Ukraine into NATO while it is at war. They comprehend and do not wish to involve the military of other countries in this conflict... But if we truly want to end the war, we must give Ukraine NATO," he declared.
Zelensky underscored that the invitation should be extended to the entire territory of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders.
"There is nothing to discuss here because it is our Constitution, international law; it cannot be violated. Therefore, invitations must be extended within internationally recognized borders. The actions of the Alliance may apply to the part that Ukraine controls, with future expansion," the president noted.