Kyiv, 30 November (IANS). President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to end the “aggravated phase” of the conflict with Russia in exchange for Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“If we want to stop this ‘furious phase’ of the war, we must bring the territory of Ukraine under our control under the NATO umbrella,” Zelensky was quoted as saying by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, according to Xinhua news agency. We have to do this quickly.”
Zelensky said Ukraine could later diplomatically take back the areas now under Russian control.
The Ukrainian president stressed that the ceasefire was necessary to ensure that Russia ‘does not return’ to occupy Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky’s statement comes amid fears that newly elected President Donald Trump may limit US aid to Ukraine after assuming the US presidency.
Meanwhile, many countries in Europe have promised to continue and increase their support for Ukraine. Leaders of Nordic and Baltic countries, along with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, gave this assurance to Kiev.
The Prime Ministers of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the Foreign Minister of Latvia made the announcement during the two-day meeting. The meeting was held at Harpsund, the residence of the Swedish Prime Minister.
Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson told the media on 27 November that the countries attending the meeting agreed to increase their support to Ukraine by providing more ammunition, boosting Ukraine’s defense industries.
Let us tell you that America’s newly elected President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized American aid to Ukraine. He has been claiming that if he comes to power, he can achieve a ceasefire within a few hours. His statements raised fears in Kiev and Europe that future US support for Ukraine might be limited.
–IANS
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