Zelensky may refuse NATO membership: what it means for peace negotiations.

According to ТСН: Ukrainians stated that a refusal to join NATO would not hinder peace negotiations. Security guarantees from allies may serve as a compromise for Kyiv.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, during negotiations with American representatives, is willing to abandon the intention to join NATO. He noted that receiving security guarantees from the U.S., Europe, and other countries could be beneficial for Ukraine.

“This doesn’t affect the situation in any way. This is an attempt to appear reasonable,” said Justin Logan, Director of Defense and Foreign Policy Studies at the Cato Institute.

The expert explained that there are various ways in which other countries can enhance Ukraine’s security, including U.S. commitments regarding military aid and sanctions against Russia.

Irrelevant NATO membership

Andrew Mihta, a professor of strategic studies at the University of Florida, believes that the issue of Ukraine's NATO membership has long lost its relevance.

Brett Bruen, a former foreign policy advisor in the Obama administration, assessed Ukraine’s concession as 'significant.'

“This is a way for Zelensky to show Ukraine's willingness to make substantial concessions for peace while Moscow does not make similar concessions. The question is what Zelensky will get in return for a firm promise to the Ukrainian people?”

He also added that the U.S. president might have promised to patrol Ukraine's airspace and respond to invading aircraft. Additionally, Washington could increase military aid supplies in case of further aggressive actions by Russia.

“Ukraine should be cautious regarding Trump's promises, but it needs more than just words. Ukraine needs concrete steps to ensure that Trump cannot easily avoid accountability in these situations,” added Brett Bruen.

NYT revealed details of Ukraine's counterplan for U.S. President Donald Trump. It is known that the Ukrainian response consists of 20 points and three documents. Kyiv removed from the American plan items that crossed 'red lines.'

This situation indicates the complex dilemmas facing Ukraine in the context of cooperation with the U.S. and other international partners. The willingness to abandon the desire to join NATO may reflect the pragmatic approach of the Ukrainian leadership towards ensuring safety in a tense geopolitical situation. At the same time, it is important that the received guarantees become a reliable foundation for Ukraine's security.