President Zelenskyy concedes Ukraine not joining Nato

In what could be described as the strongest signal yet from Ukraine towards ending the war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his country should accept it will not become a member of Nato. “Ukraine is not a member of Nato.

We understand that. We have heard for years that the doors were open, but we also heard that we could not join. It’s a truth and it must be recognised,” Zelensky said during a video conference with military officials.

The potential Nato membership of Ukraine was one of the key reasons for the hostilities Moscow had against Kyiv. This was a guarantee that Russia had sought from Ukraine before it invaded the country last month. Three weeks into the war, other than speeches of solidarity and economic sanctions, Nato has done little to nothing to help Ukraine in the war.

Ukraine’s appeal for more arms and closing off Nato airspace to Russia has fallen on deaf ears. Many observers have said that Nato is unwilling to get dragged into the war, which is happening in its backyards. Moscow’s other demands to end the war include Ukraine turning away from the West and recognise Moscowbacked breakaway regions.