Ukraine ready to drop NATO membership ambitions: Zelenskyy
What's the story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to abandon his country's aspirations of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as part of ongoing negotiations. This was discussed during a five-hour meeting with United States envoys in Berlin on Sunday, which included Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Ongoing negotiations
Peace talks progress, details remain undisclosed
While the details of the talks remain undisclosed, Witkoff took to the social media platform X to say, "Representatives held in-depth discussions regarding the 20-point plan for peace, economic agendas, and more. A lot of progress was made." Dmytro Lytvyn, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said more comments would be made when the talks conclude on Monday. He added that officials are now considering draft documents related to these discussions.
Strategic shift
Zelenskyy's NATO concession seen as compromise
Zelenskyy described his concession on NATO as a compromise. "From the very beginning, Ukraine's desire was to join Nato: these are real security guarantees. Some partners from the US and Europe did not support this direction," he said. He added that legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, Canada, and Japan could prevent another Russian invasion.
Diplomatic negotiations
Russia's demands and Zelenskyy's vision for peace
Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukraine officially renounce its NATO ambitions and become a neutral country. Moscow also wants a written pledge from Western powers against NATO's eastward expansion, essentially ruling out membership for Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and other former Soviet republics. Zelenskyy has called for a "dignified" peace that guarantees Russia won't attack Ukraine again. He said Ukraine, Europe, and the US are considering a 20-point plan that includes a ceasefire.
Financial backing
European allies support Ukraine's financial stability
European allies have called this a "critical moment" for Ukraine's future and are working to stabilize Kyiv's finances by using frozen Russian central bank assets. Britain, France, and Germany are involved in refining US proposals, which are under discussion and include contentious points such as ceding more territory and accepting limits on armed forces. A ceasefire along current frontlines is being considered as a fair option by Zelenskyy.