President Vladimir Zelensky said that the war in Ukraine has entered a “difficult period.”
URA-Inform reports this with reference to Kyodo News.
He acknowledged that the Ukrainian army currently lacks the strength to liberate all captured territories, including Crimea, which Russia occupied in 2014.
“Our army lacks the strength to do this. This is true. We must find diplomatic solutions,” Zelensky said.
At the same time, the president stressed that such decisions are possible only in the context of strengthening the country's defense capability. Zelensky explained that diplomatic solutions can only be considered when Ukraine knows that it is strong enough to prevent Russia from launching a new invasion.
The President also drew attention to the fact that Russia is now advancing faster in the eastern part of Ukraine. He noted that the Ukrainian army has little support from its partners at the moment. That is why he called on NATO to invite Kyiv to negotiations on membership in the organization as soon as possible.
Zelensky called NATO membership necessary for Ukraine's security and prosperity, emphasizing that the war has entered a “difficult period.”
He also noted that since the war in Ukraine has reached a critical moment, the question arises as to whether the United States will continue to support Ukraine after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Zelensky said that Trump and his team know Ukraine's position and its Victory Plan, which is aimed at putting it in a “strong position” and allowing diplomacy to work.
“They are studying the plan, and we will hear them. But there will be no capitulation on the part of Ukraine. This is a fact, and I think he understands this,” he emphasized.
At the same time, Zelensky gave NATO an ultimatum: the president said in what form Ukraine should join the Alliance.