We must work and do everything we can to ensure that Ukraine receives the security guarantees our nation deserves, which can stop Vladimir Putin, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said when asked about Donald Trump’s recent remarks. The president-elect of the USA stated that he “understands Russia’s feelings regarding the possible membership of Ukraine in NATO”. Zelensky urged not to “draw any conclusions” from this statement.
At a conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked about the words of US President-elect Donald Trump, who said on Tuesday that he “understands Russia’s feelings about Ukraine’s possible membership in NATO”.
Zelensky urged not to “judge one way or the other” about US policy. “We must work and do everything we can to ensure that Ukraine receives the security guarantees our nation deserves, which can stop Putin.”
He recalled that it was also said that Patriot systems would be deployed only in NATO countries, but now they are in Ukraine. – So what? Either we have been in NATO for a long time, or it is not necessary to draw hasty conclusions from this. It was the same with “Patriots”, with missile systems and other weapons, he said.
Zelensky also suggested that Russia was encouraged to act aggressively because “Ukraine was not protected by a serious alliance of guarantors of its security.” – I think we have the right to demand serious and strong security guarantees, he said.
Trump expressed understanding for Russia
At a news conference at his Florida estate on Tuesday, Trump suggested that Ukraine should never join the pact and expressed his understanding of Russia’s demands. He also stated that Joe Biden’s decision to reject Ukraine’s future accession to NATO was the reason for Russia’s aggression.
– They said that it was carved in stone for them. But at one point, Biden said, no, they should join NATO. Well, if Russia is someone on their doorstep, I understand their feelings about that, Trump said. He added that “to his understanding” there was an agreement that would have satisfied both Russia and Ukraine and protected Ukraine from Russian aggression, but was blocked by Biden.
Trump also said he wanted to meet with Vladimir Putin as soon as possible and expressed regret that he would not be able to do so before the start of his second term.
Main photo credit: TING SHEN/PAP
