Zelenskyy: If Ukraine Is Not in NATO, the Alliance Should Be in Ukraine

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that if the country is not admitted into NATO, an alternative would be the presence of Alliance forces on Ukrainian territory. He emphasized that Ukraine’s military should match Russia’s in size and capability.

According to The Guardian, Zelenskyy ruled out the possibility of United Nations forces being deployed in Ukraine after the full-scale war ends.

“We support a contingent if it is part of security guarantees. I emphasize, without America, this is impossible. Without America, security guarantees are not complete,” Zelenskyy stated.

The president highlighted that a military presence is necessary, but full NATO integration remains the most cost-effective option.

“If we are not in NATO, then NATO should be in Ukraine. What is the size of the Russian army? 1.5 million in 2025. Ukraine’s army must be at least 1.5 million. We need 1.5 million. We have 1 million. Will we be given 500,000 more? They are not available in Europe,” he said.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine must not only finance but also properly equip its armed forces. While US President Donald Trump opposes Ukraine’s NATO accession, Kyiv agrees that defense spending should be at least 5% of GDP.

“This is necessary for Europe—to increase production, the quantity, and the quality of its army. That is why Macron’s idea—if it is part of the plan, yes. If there are 100,000-150,000 European troops, yes. But even then, we will not match the army on the other side,” he explained.

Earlier, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine must protect its rare earth minerals from Russian control, emphasizing that Russia is exploiting these resources in occupied territories without investment. He highlighted the strategic importance of minerals like titanium, uranium, and manganese, as well as gas and oil reserves in the Black Sea.