NATO membership cannot wait until 2030, Zelenskyy declares as key condition.

Address by Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO Defense Industry Forum

According to Espreso.tv: Speaking at the NATO Defense Industry Forum in Ankara on July 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the alliance to fast-track Ukraine's membership and called for the establishment of a European missile defense shield. His remarks underscored the urgent need for sustained support amid Russia's ongoing aggression. Zelenskyy highlighted the heavy toll of the conflict, noting that Ukrainian forces eliminate roughly 30,000 Russian troops each month, with June alone seeing nearly 28,000 casualties.

The president also pointed to Ukraine's strong defensive performance, reporting that the country intercepts over 90% of Russian attack drones. These figures, he argued, demonstrate the immense burden Ukraine carries in confronting the aggressor. Zelenskyy stressed that delaying NATO membership until 2030 or beyond is unacceptable, adding that Ukraine has effectively dismantled the concept of a Russian strategic rear.

"Keeping such a country outside the Alliance is unjust."

- Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy’s comments reinforce the urgency of international backing for Ukraine, particularly as the country pursues deeper integration with European security frameworks. He emphasized that the timeline for membership cannot be stretched to 2030 or later, calling for immediate action rather than prolonged delays.

Key themes of the speech

The main points of Zelenskyy’s address included:

• Ukraine’s NATO membership bid,
• the creation of a European missile defense system,
• and the destruction of Russia’s rear infrastructure.

These issues remain critical for the security of both Ukraine and Europe as a whole, especially given the rising threats posed by aggressive states. Zelenskyy’s appearance at the forum illustrates Ukraine’s growing role in global security, particularly in the face of Russian aggression.

By pushing for NATO membership and a European missile shield, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to integrating into Western defense structures—a vital step for regional stability. Continued support from NATO and allied nations could significantly bolster Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.