Ukraine says no longer insisting on seeking NATO membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is no longer insisting on NATO membership for Ukraine, a delicate issue that was one of Russia’s stated reasons for invading its pro-Western neighbor.

In another apparent nod aimed at placating Moscow, Zelensky said he is open to ‘compromise’ on the status of two breakaway pro-Russian territories that President Vladimir Putin recognized as independent just before unleashing the invasion on February 24.

In an interview aired Monday night on ABC News, Zelensky said, “I have cooled down regarding this question a long time ago after we understood that NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine.” 

The alliance is afraid of controversial things, and confrontation with Russia, he added.

Referring to NATO membership, Zelensky said through an interpreter that he does not want to be president of a ‘country which is begging something on its knees’.

ARR