Kyiv Adheres to NATO Alliance Despite Military Challenges

Kyiv Adheres to NATO Alliance Despite Military Challenges
Military and political developments indicate the possibility of a changing Ukrainian landscape with approaching U.S. elections and rising Russian military influence
December 1, 2024, 7:05 pm

الناتو \ تعبيرية \ متداول

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after nearly three years of Russian military operations, reviewed the importance of his country joining NATO, considering it "necessary for Ukraine's survival".

Zelenskyy stated after talks with EU officials in Kyiv today, Sunday, that "his country's invitation to join NATO is necessary for its survival." He said: "We are working at all levels to strengthen Ukraine's position and the entire Euro-Atlantic family".

He explained that the opportunity still exists for Washington to convince hesitant Europeans of the necessity to invite Kyiv to join the military alliance.

He emphasized that any invitation to join NATO must include all Ukrainian territories, noting that the alliance's defensive umbrella would not cover occupied areas while the conflict continues.

The Ukrainian President has appeared in recent days more accepting of the idea of patience before reclaiming Russian-controlled regions, which constitute approximately one-fifth of the country's area, provided security is ensured for the remaining territories and fighting stops.

Ukrainian authorities have so far ruled out surrendering their territories in exchange for peace, while Russian President Vladimir Putin demands Ukrainian forces withdraw from additional areas, rejecting Kyiv's NATO membership.

Moscow extends its influence over about 18% of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, including the Crimean Peninsula, which it acquired in 2014.

The regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia are under Russian control, although not completely secured, and Russian forces have recorded unprecedented field advances in recent weeks since early 2022.

The conflict has intensified recently with increased attacks on Kyiv-controlled territories, and Putin threatening to target decision-making centers in the Ukrainian capital with the hypersonic "Oreshnik" missile.

Speculation has increased about the possibility of a ceasefire or peaceful settlement following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential elections early this month. The elected Republican president denounced American aid to Kyiv, pledging to end the conflict within hours, without explaining how to achieve this.

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