“Why isn’t Ukraine in NATO?” Zelenskyi has a question for Biden and stated we’re now defending Europe

If Ukraine was a member of NATO, there would be no escalation of the military conflict in Donbas, Zelenskyi believes.

Zelenskyi stated this in an interview with the American TV channel, HBO, Voice of America reports.

He answered whether it was possible for Russia to withdraw from the occupied Donbas without Ukraine's accession to NATO.

"If Ukraine was a member of NATO, in the east of Ukraine, there would be no escalation in Donbas. We're now defending Europe. We're grateful to Europe for its help and sanctions. We're grateful to the United States. Sanctions are important, but sanctions cannot bring back lives," the president said.

The journalist also reminded Zelenskyi that the Obama-Biden administration, where Biden was responsible for Ukraine, didn't provide Kyiv with weapons at the beginning of the Russian aggression.

"They have to understand that today is Ukraine. And who's next? This is a provocation. Tomorrow it can be anyone, any European country, the United States. We're not just talking about armed intervention. We're dealing with an information war. And the United States is one of the clearest examples of how it's happening," Zelenskyi explained.

Also in a conversation with American TV journalists, Zelenskyi answered the question of what kind of help Ukraine expected to receive from the new administration of Joe Biden.

"I sincerely wish Joe Biden success with all the challenges he faces. As for Ukraine, I'd like us to enter a new stage and take an alternative path. President Biden said he was concerned and would continue to worry and work for security in Europe. It's the most important thing for us because security in Europe is about us," Zelenskyi said.

Zelenskyi answered the question of what kind of help Ukraine expected to receive from the new US administration.

"We're grateful for everything. But in case if we, Ukrainians, and Ukraine want to be an equal member of the Alliance, an equal member of NATO. It's one of the most important security issues, the same security that President Biden is talking about. In that case, I have a very simple question: Mr. President, why are we still not in NATO?" the President of Ukraine asked.