President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes that the main priority for ensuring the security of our state is full membership in NATO, but before acquiring it, Ukraine seeks to receive clear guarantees of its security that would be enshrined in writing. The HPresident stated this during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with President of Estonia Alar Karis in Kyiv.
“We are not looking for a replacement for NATO, and it is very important that our partners hear this. That is why we have so many meetings at the highest level. We are not looking for an alternative. As I said, give me an example: which NATO country is at war with Russia, or which NATO country has Russian troops on its territory? This shows that these are the best guarantees of security for Ukraine,” the Head of State noted.
At the same time, the President noted that Ukraine will not involve any NATO country in the war, so he is well aware that it will not become a NATO member while the war with Russia continues. “Not because we do not want to, but because it is impossible,” he added.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, today the security guarantees for our country are sanctions, financial guarantees, weapons, etc.
“This is what we have today, not in documents, but in reality. And if we want to have guarantees on paper, it should be clearly stated that these security guarantees are valid for Ukraine until the country receives the main security guarantees, namely, NATO membership,” the President emphasized.
Answering the question about the initiative to create a coalition of Patriots, which was announced at the Summit of the European Political Community in Moldova, the Head of State noted that the initial stage of its formation has already taken place.
“We have had very important conversations with Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and we have also spoken with the leaders of the European Union. The question is not that each of these countries can provide us with it (air defense systems – ed.). The question is that they will look for it. Some of them are able to provide it, while others have other opportunities – political, personal relations with the states that have appropriate air defense systems. Some have finances and influence,” he said.
The President emphasized that Ukraine clearly understands how many Patriot systems we need to protect our skies.
“Our goal is hitting not 70-75% of targets, but 100%. Yes, this is a really ambitious goal. It is very difficult. Because of the queue not only for Patriots, but also for missiles for them,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.