Zelenskyy: Ukraine should count on its own strength, not wait for NATO to "open the door"
Photo: OPU
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine should rely on itself
According to the EP, he stated this in an address to the leaders of the United Expeditionary Force, led by Great Britain.
Although the President noted, NATO has an "open door" policy.
"Of course, Ukraine is not a member of NATO. We understand that we are adequate people. For years we have heard about the alleged open door, but we have also heard that we can not enter. And this is true, and we must admit it. I am glad that our people are beginning to understand this and rely on themselves and our partners who help us," Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that Ukraine did not currently claim to intensify Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.
The president called only to close the skies to prevent Russian airstrikes.
"We need new formats of cooperation, new determination. And if we cannot enter the open door, we must work with communities that will help us and protect us, such as yours. And have reliable guarantees," he said.
The Joint Expeditionary Force is a military format led by the United Kingdom. The forces may consist, if necessary, of Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway.
To recap, Ukraine, which is a close partner of the Alliance and directly affected by Russian aggression, was not invited to a meeting of Alliance leaders on February 25, although Sweden and Finland were invited.
NATO Secretary-General also avoided responding to aid to Ukraine after the Russian attack.
