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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky told ABC News that he was “calm” about the bid for Ukraine to join NATO.
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“As for NATO, I was calm on this question long ago after I realized that NATO wasn’t ready to accept Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
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“The alliance is afraid of controversial and confrontation with Russia,” Zelensky added.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was “calm” about the bid for Ukraine to join NATO. Russia is at war with Eastern European countries..
“As for NATO, I was calm on this question long ago after I realized that NATO wasn’t ready to accept Ukraine,” Zelensky said. Told ABC News In an exclusive interview released on Tuesday.
“The alliance is afraid of controversial things and conflicts with Russia. I didn’t want to be a begging country,” Zelensky said. [for] Something on that knee. We are not going to be that country and I don’t want to be that president. “
Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO accession is cited as the reason why Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine.
In 2008, Ukraine applied for the start of the NATO membership action plan and The alliance welcomed Ukraine’s bid and promised that Ukraine would eventually become a member.Although it refuses to provide a specific timeline.
In addition to his NATO comments, Zelensky Said on Tuesday He said he was open to discussions on Russia-backed separatist territory control in eastern Ukraine, a possible opening to peace talks with Russia.
“It is important to me how people who want to be part of Ukraine live there. I am interested in the opinions of those who consider themselves citizens of the Russian Federation, but we need to discuss this issue. There is, “said Zelensky.
Before Putin began the Russian war against Ukraine, Putin signed a decree recognizing the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in the eastern provinces of Donbas as independent states.Putin Warranty required Alliance leaders repeatedly refused that Ukraine would not join NATO in preparation for his invasion.
“The people who elected me are not ready to surrender. We are not ready for the ultimatum,” Zelensky said. “But we can talk with Russia about the future of Crimea and Donbus.”
This story is developing. Please check for updates.
Read the original article Business Insider