Volodymyr Zelensky: Ukraine is not discussing NATO membership in exchange for giving up occupied territories

The Head of State of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky assured , that Kiev is not discussing membership in NATO in exchange for renouncing territories occupied by the Russians, reports UNIAN.

"We don't discuss that. But I believe that these fillings in the media are not accidental. Obviously, some partners may have such thoughts. Therefore, they do not communicate these matters directly with me. But through the media, of course, they check degrees. I think that here everything depends on the Ukrainian society”, Zelensky emphasized at a meeting with journalists.

At the same time, he added, Ukraine now raises the issue of security guarantees at all negotiations.

"The best is NATO. In times of war - an invitation, absolutely open, with a strong position in any format of diplomacy. I believe that this invitation does not depend on the opinion of Russia. When some other partners are confident that – that they are stronger than Russia, then everything will be positive for us in this sense”, the head of state stressed.

At the same time, he was asked if Ukraine suggests that it can start talks on partial accession to NATO without the territories occupied by Russia.

"Everyone understands that no matter what path we take, legally no one will recognize the occupied territories as belonging to other countries. Second, why am I emphasizing the invitation? Because it is given to the country within internationally recognized borders. And this is the main thing for me: to receive an invitation during the war. I believe this is a strong part of the package we offer. This is not just an invitation, but an invitation while the war is not yet over. Now what will this accession be, how will it happen, how long will it take - this is the next step, diplomacy. There can be different formats," Zelensky explained.