[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom has sparked controversy by stating that Ukraine might abandon its policy of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to avoid war with Russia. The Ukrainian government, which has enshrined NATO membership as a key national goal in its constitution, immediately issued a rebuttal statement, but the debate is expected to continue within Ukraine's political circles.
On the 14th (local time), Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, said in an interview with the BBC that when asked whether Ukraine could change its stance on NATO membership, "If we can avoid war through some serious concessions, we would naturally do so."
Ukraine had previously set NATO membership as a major national goal through a constitutional amendment in February 2019, which quickly intensified the controversy. Aware of the backlash, Ambassador Prystaiko explained, "I said something that partially contradicts the Ukrainian constitution, but this was to emphasize that we have that level of flexibility and are trying to find the best way out to avoid war."
The Ukrainian government issued a rebuttal statement immediately after Prystaiko's remarks. Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement, "Prystaiko's remarks were taken out of context and the true meaning was misrepresented," adding, "The core issue for Ukraine is security guarantees, and the best way to receive such guarantees is Ukraine's NATO membership."
He continued, "Prystaiko's remarks were an unsuccessful expression. Ukraine's goal of joining NATO is enshrined in the constitution, and no decision contrary to the fundamental law can be made," reiterating the point. However, as differences of opinion regarding the war with Russia are becoming more pronounced within Ukraine's political sphere, the controversy continues to spread.
The Kremlin in Russia immediately welcomed Prystaiko's remarks. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, emphasized, "If Ukraine officially abandons its NATO membership, Russia's security concerns will be greatly alleviated, and it will help provide a more progressive response toward security talks between the two countries."
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