Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskyy says Kyiv's Nato membership 'achievable', even as allies avoid promises

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday (December 22) that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) membership is “achievable” for Ukraine but emphasised that Kyiv must work hard to persuade allies to make it a reality.

Speaking to Ukrainian diplomats in Kyiv, Zelenskyy reiterated his country’s push to join the Western military alliance, which has so far pledged that Ukraine will join one day but has not provided a timeline or formal invitation.

An ‘achievable’ goal?

“We all understand that Ukraine’s invitation to Nato and membership in the alliance can only be a political decision,” Zelenskyy said. “Alliance for Ukraine is achievable, but it is achievable only if we fight for this decision at all the necessary levels.”

Moscow has long opposed Nato’s expansion and cited Ukraine’s potential membership as a key justification for its full-scale invasion in 2022. Kyiv maintains that joining Nato’s mutual defence pact— or securing a similar security guarantee— is essential for any peace plan to ensure Russia cannot attack again.

Ukraine’s reliance on Nato for peace

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s allies need to recognise what his country can contribute to Nato and how its membership would promote global stability.

Last week, Zelenskyy urged European nations to provide security guarantees for Ukraine after the war with Russia ends while reiterating that Nato membership remains the ultimate form of protection.

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Previously, Zelenskyy has suggested that granting Nato membership to unoccupied parts of Ukraine could effectively end the “hot phase” of the war, providing security assurances that deter further Russian aggression.

Conversely, Russia has consistently cited Ukraine’s Nato aspirations as a primary justification for its military actions, expressing strong opposition to Nato’s eastward expansion.

Moscow has indicated that any peace agreement would necessitate Ukraine’s neutrality and a formal renunciation of Nato membership ambitions.

This fundamental disagreement continues to complicate truce negotiations.

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With inputs from agencies