Zelensky Says "NATO Needs Ukraine"
Reference News Network, June 22 According to a report by Deutsche Presse-Agentur on June 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are effectively equivalent to "NATO's second strongest army." He believes that NATO needs Ukraine just as Ukraine needs NATO.
Zelensky told reporters from the Ukrainian public television news website: "NATO needs us."
Zelensky said that NATO leaders have recognized this and noted that the Ukrainian military has proven its capabilities by holding back Russian forces for over four years, which are widely regarded as one of the strongest armies in the world.
The report states that Ukraine is not a NATO member, and the strongest military force within the organization is the United States. One of the war goals stated by Moscow is to prevent Kyiv from joining this Western military alliance, but this goal has been enshrined in the Ukrainian constitution.
Since Washington began mediating to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine's desire to join NATO has effectively been put on hold. Zelensky said: "Without Ukraine, it is impossible." (Translation/ Zhang Sihao)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine's armed forces are effectively the 'second strongest army in NATO' during an interview on June 19, 2023. He emphasized the mutual need between NATO and Ukraine, asserting that NATO leaders have recognized Ukraine's military capabilities in resisting Russian forces. Although Ukraine is not a NATO member, its constitutional goal to join remains significant amid ongoing conflict negotiations.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims Ukraine's armed forces are the second strongest in NATO.
- Zelensky emphasizes the mutual need between NATO and Ukraine.
- Ukraine is not a NATO member but has constitutional aspirations to join.
- NATO leaders recognize Ukraine's military capabilities against Russia.
- The desire for NATO membership has been set aside amid ongoing conflict negotiations.