Kiev will never legally recognize any occupation of its lands by Russia. There can be no invitation to NATO of part of the territories of Ukraine. But there is an understanding that the 5th Amendment, when you are a member of NATO, cannot apply during the war on the entire territory of Ukraine. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press conference with President of the European Council Antonio Costa, reports UNN.
"First of all, it is important for us to understand that we will never legally recognize any occupation of our lands by the Russian Federation. We do not recognize these lands as Russian, they are purely our lands, they are purely our people, temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine. Of course, everything will return, of course, I really wanted the majority to return through diplomatic means, so that there would be no such victims. I'm not sure that Putin understands this, but I want the civilized world, for the most part, to understand this," Zelensky said.
The president stressed that NATO is the best security guarantee for Ukraine.
"Economic security guarantees for us are the EU. These are two requirements. Whatever the future diplomatic ways to end the war may be, for us the EU and NATO are fundamental things and they will be there. I'm sure of it. If it wasn't difficult, if it was difficult, it didn't look like it today, but we had a lot of different difficulties in front of us, we somehow managed it. NATO cannot invite parts of Ukraine's territories. This is an automatic recognition that all other territories are not only in danger, and all other territories are not Ukrainian," Zelensky said.
He stressed that if there is an invitation, then only for all Ukrainian territories.
"Therefore, Ukraine will never do this. If this is an invitation, then only completely all territories. But we understand that the 5th Amendment, when you are a member of NATO, cannot apply during a war on the entire territory of Ukraine, because countries are against the risks of involving them in the war. Ukraine has never involved anyone in this war. I mean about the armies of NATO members," Zelensky said.
In addition, he noted that there is a lot of speculation in the press and media about what this "umbrella"can be.
"We have not received any of these types of umbrellas, any formats from our partners.so far, "Zelensky said.
Зеленський назвав країни, які досі скептично ставляться до запрошення України в НАТО01.12.24, 17:07
addition
On November 29 , in an interview with Sky News, Zelensky statedthat he allows the possibility of concluding a ceasefire agreement with Russia if the territory controlled by Ukraine is taken under the umbrella of NATO.
Reuters reported with reference to a letter from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga in which he called on NATO to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance at a meeting to be held next week. The invitation should be the Allies ' response to the constant escalation of the war unleashed by Russia.