Zelensky: We’re willing to give up NATO membership for security guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Kyiv may be prepared to abandon its long-standing ambition to join NATO in exchange for concrete security guarantees from the United States, European partners, and other allied nations.
Peace talks in Berlin take centre stage
Speaking ahead of high-level talks in Berlin, Zelensky described the potential compromise as a shift from NATO membership to “security guarantees” provided by friendly nations, Portfolio reports. The move is seen as a significant pivot for Ukraine, which has previously regarded NATO accession as its primary safeguard against Russian aggression: a stance even enshrined in the country’s constitution.
According to 444.hu, the president said that even if they do not join NATO, they want a guarantee similar to NATO’s Article 5, which would allow for military intervention by allies in the event of another Russian attack.
US envoys advocate painful concessions
The decision comes amid efforts to advance peace negotiations in Berlin, where international mediators are pressing for practical solutions to the ongoing conflict. Notably, US representatives, including former President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, reportedly encouraged Ukraine to consider difficult concessions, potentially including ceding territory along the frontlines to Russia.
Territorial integrity remains non-negotiable
Despite the proposed shift, Ukrainian officials have made clear that Kyiv will not surrender any territories to Moscow. Analysts suggest that this compromise could, in effect, satisfy one of Russia’s key war objectives while still preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Pragmatic approach in the ongoing conflict
Zelensky’s announcement is a notable recalibration in Ukraine’s strategic posture, which signals both a pragmatic approach to negotiations and a willingness to explore alternatives to formal NATO membership in pursuit of long-term security.
Wait! Wasn’t the Budapest Accords a “security guarantee? And hows that working out?
There have been lots of agreements and, because The West cannot keep any promise they make, we have a war.
Nothing more indicative of this than the promise United States’ Secretary of State, James A. Baker, gave to the Russians over the potential reunification of Germany.
The promise?
That, if the Russians would allow a German reunification … NATO promised never to move east.
Who is now in NATO?
Almost all the countries of Eastern Europe.
Where is the war taking place?
More than a thousand miles to the east – and in a country that is neither in the EU nor NATO!!!
When one of parties has this total lack of integrity, there can be no peace – unless of course, the other party is totally submissive – which the Russians quite logically are not.
“Because The West cannot keep any promise they make” … Please do list?
International Agreements and Treaties Violated by Russia
Budapest Memorandum (1994)
Violated 2014/2022: Guaranteed Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for nuclear disarmament
UN Charter
Article 2(4): Prohibition on use of force – violated with invasions of Georgia (2008), Ukraine (2014, 2022)
Helsinki Final Act (1975)
Violated: Inviolability of frontiers and territorial integrity of states
Geneva Conventions
Multiple violations documented in Ukraine including attacks on civilians, torture of POWs, forced deportations including children
Chemical Weapons Convention
Novichok poisonings: Sergei Skripal (UK, 2018), Alexei Navalny (2020)
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE)
Suspended compliance 2007, formally withdrew 2023
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF)
Violated with missile deployments; treaty collapsed 2019
Open Skies Treaty
Restricted flights over Kaliningrad and Georgia; withdrew 2021
European Convention on Human Rights
Expelled from Council of Europe 2022 for multiple violations
International Court of Justice Orders
Ignored 2022 binding order to halt military operations in Ukraine
Minsk Agreements I & II
Failed to implement provisions; ultimately violated with 2022 invasion