Zelenskyy Responds to Trump’s NATO Remarks, Urging Against Rushed Conclusions

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to remarks by US President-elect Donald Trump concerning Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Previously, Trump, when asked during a press briefing whether Ukraine will ever be able to join NATO, has stated: “Well, I think it was always clear. In fact, I believe they (Russia and Ukraine) had a deal, and then Biden broke it. They had a deal that would have been satisfactory for Ukraine and everyone else, but Biden said, no, you must be able to join NATO.”

Speaking during a meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on January 8, Zelenskyy urged against making rushed decisions about US policy on the matter.

“Do you remember when it was said that Patriot systems were only available to NATO countries? Either we’ve already been part of NATO for a long time, or we shouldn’t make quick assumptions,” Zelenskyy noted.

He also acknowledged that Ukraine’s NATO aspirations have faced resistance from some member states, including the United States, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. “These countries opposed Ukraine’s membership. That is a fact. Let’s be honest—Ukraine was not seen as part of NATO. I believe this is one of the reasons for the war,” Zelenskyy stated.

He also noted that since the start of the war, he has consistently raised the issue of security guarantees in discussions with US presidents, including Trump, Biden, and now, once again, Trump.

The President called on the global community to support Ukraine with robust security measures. “We ask for guarantees from the alliance of America and Europe. The world, which claims leadership and peace, must take responsibility,” Zelenskyy said.

He concluded by urging restraint in interpreting Trump’s comments on NATO, stressing the need for collaboration and continuous efforts to secure Ukraine’s future. “Do not rush to conclusions. We need to focus on achieving guarantees that match the sacrifices and resilience of the Ukrainian people.”

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that effective security guarantees for Ukraine must include US involvement, citing NATO as the ideal option. He also highlighted President-elect Donald Trump’s potential role in ending the war and stopping Russian aggression, emphasizing Trump’s decisiveness and unpredictability.