Zelensky: Invitation to join NATO would be huge motivator for Ukrainian soldiers

04.07.2023 06:15

Ukrinform

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky calls on US President Joe Biden to invite Ukraine into NATO now – even if membership does not come until after the war.

In an interview with CNN, Zelensky said that Biden was “the decision maker” about whether Ukraine would be in NATO or not.

“He supports our future in NATO,” but an invitation now would be a huge motivator for Ukrainian soldiers, Zelensky said.

“Now, it’s very important,” Zelensky said in response to a question about why not wait for an invitation. “It’s so important to feel that you are really being around allies in the future," he added.

Zelensky added that he understood that Ukraine would “never be in NATO before war finishes” as territorial disputes are “a factor in determining whether to invite a state to join the Alliance.”

“We understand everything,” Zelensky said.” But this signal is really very important. And depends on Biden’s decision.”

As reported, the next NATO Summit will be held in Vilnius on July 11-12. Ukraine's aspirations for membership in the Alliance is enshrined in its Constitution.