Zelenskyy: Any Russia-NATO Deal Must Include Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Statement

According to TSN.ua: In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed reports of potential bilateral discussions between Russia and NATO. He stressed that any agreement concerning Ukraine's security or its aspirations to join the alliance cannot be made without Kyiv's direct participation. This stance comes as Ukraine continues to seek a clear path toward NATO membership, a goal that has been a point of contention since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Zelenskyy noted that while Ukraine has fulfilled all necessary steps for NATO accession, the final decision rests with the alliance's members, and the United States currently does not see Ukraine joining.

“I know that the Americans, and perhaps some Europeans, are discussing a new document with Russia,”

“We have already done what we had to do. We said we want and are ready to be part of NATO,” the President said, highlighting the commitments Ukraine has met for the alliance. Consequently, the question of next steps in the relationship between Ukraine, Russia, and NATO remains urgent and requires constructive dialogue with all relevant parties.

The Critical Need for Ukraine's Inclusion in International Talks

President Zelenskyy's remarks underscore the vital importance of including Ukraine in any international negotiations that could fundamentally impact its security and Euro-Atlantic ambitions. Amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, Kyiv's position is a key factor in shaping new security strategies for the region, ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiated away.