Zelenskyy: Ukraine Has Two Options—Nuclear Weapons or NATO. We Choose NATO

During the meeting of former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 27 Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine has only two options: either having nuclear weapons or joining NATO, and today Kyiv chooses to join the alliance.

Zelenskyy noted that Trump confirmed that Ukraine’s arguments were fair.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that at a press conference following his participation in the meeting of the European Council on October 17.

The President recalled that in 1991, within the framework of the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees and recognition of its sovereignty and borders.

The document was signed by countries that had nuclear weapons, in particular, Russia, the United States, and Great Britain.

"Which of these major nuclear powers suffered? All of them? No. Ukraine. Who gave up nuclear weapons? All of them? No. Ukraine. Who is fighting today? Ukraine. Either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons and that will be our protection. Or we should have some sort of alliance. Apart from NATO, today we do not know any effective alliances. NATO countries are not at war. People are all alive in NATO countries. And thank God. That is why we choose NATO. Not nuclear weapons," Zelenskyy said.

When asked about the chances of Ukraine joining NATO, the President stated that he discussed Ukraine joining NATO with US President Joe Biden, and US Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with the first step being an invitation to NATO. He added that Ukraine understands that joining the alliance may only happen after the war.

Zelenskyy stressed that the stronger Ukraine is now the faster the end of the war happens through diplomatic means.