Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his intention to do all he can to join NATO while seeking understanding of his “Victory Plan” to end Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy attended a meeting of NATO defense ministers in the Belgian capital of Brussels on Thursday.
The Ukrainian leader later posted on social media that Ukraine asked for a formal invitation from NATO to begin the membership process. He also called for support to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a joint news conference.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is “standing against Russia, the biggest threat to Europe and global peace.” He also said that his country deserves to become a NATO member one day.
Rutte said there is no doubt about Ukraine’s membership, adding, “We will make sure that Ukraine has everything it needs to prevail.”
But the NATO chief did not elaborate on the timing and other details.
Zelenskyy also attended a European Council summit meeting in Brussels to present his victory plan.
He told reporters after the meeting that the majority of the members who commented on the plan had expressed full support.