Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized on Monday that NATO membership is essential for securing “real and lasting peace” in Ukraine by 2025. Speaking at the “Support Ukraine” summit in Kyiv, Zelenskyy argued that if NATO remains closed to Ukraine, the country will have no choice but to develop its own defense framework with international support.
The summit, marking the third anniversary of ukrainian crisis, brought together leaders from several European nations alongside top EU officials. Zelenskyy called for greater unity and security guarantees from Europe, stressing that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine and Europe are at the negotiating table together.
Zelenskyy also pushed for an exchange of prisoners and stronger air defense commitments, underlining the need for collective strength to end the war. His remarks come as the US under President Trump pursues separate peace efforts with Russia, sidelining Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations.
