Ukraine’s Zelensky signals willingness to drop NATO bid in exchange for security guarantees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to forgo Ukraine's longstanding ambition to join NATO in exchange for robust and legally binding security assurances from Western allies.

Zelensky made the remarks ahead of meetings with US envoys and European representatives on Sunday, marking a significant shift in Ukraine’s diplomatic stance as discussions with the United States and European allies get underway in the German capital, Berlin. 

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has been advocating for NATO membership as a crucial deterrent against Russian attacks.

He further noted that alternative guarantees—supported by the US, European nations, and other allies—could offer comparable protection to Ukraine. 

“From the very beginning, Ukraine’s desire was to join NATO; these are real security guarantees. Some partners from the US and Europe did not support this direction,” Zelensky said in response to questions from reporters in a WhatsApp chat.

“Thus, today, bilateral security guarantees between Ukraine and the US, Article 5-like guarantees for us from the US, and security guarantees from European colleagues, as well as other countries—Canada, Japan—are an opportunity to prevent another Russian invasion,” he added.

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The Ukrainian president further underscored the need for these guarantees to be legally binding, underscoring that the proposal already signifies a compromise from Ukraine's side. 

The potential shift marks a notable departure from Kiev's longstanding position, despite Russia repeatedly citing NATO expansion as a central grievance underlying its military operation. 

While the move aligns with one of Moscow's stated war objectives, Ukrainian officials have maintained their refusal to meet Russian demands for territorial concessions. 

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's pursuit of a “dignified” peace and firm assurances against future Russian attack, as diplomats gathered to address the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. 

The ongoing discussions coincide with renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump to achieve a resolution, with his envoy and son-in-law participating in talks involving Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin. 

Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy, who has previously been involved in negotiations with both Kiev and Moscow, is seen as a sign of Washington's optimism for potential progress. 

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Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine, the US, and European allies are assessing a 20-point plan aimed at reaching a ceasefire, although he clarified that direct talks with Russia are not currently taking place. 

He also indicated that considering a truce along current front lines could be deemed fair, while acknowledging Moscow's insistence on Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions under Kiev's control. 

Despite intensified diplomatic efforts, fighting has persisted, with recent Russian strikes causing widespread power outages and impacting the availability of heat and water for thousands of Ukrainians during the winter. 

Amidst the negotiations, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's unwavering focus on securing lasting security guarantees, even as the path to ending the war remains uncertain.

Ukraine is facing mounting pressure from Washington to accept a ceasefire. Zelensky has acknowledged that his country is in the most difficult political and military situation since Russia launched its “special operation” more than three years ago.

Kiev and its European allies have opposed the US-proposed plan, claiming it reflects Russian demands.

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