Ukrainian Defense Minister: "We Are Virtually a NATO Member"

"Will Receive Tanks and More from the West"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] According to the BBC on the 13th (local time), the Ukrainian Minister of Defense claimed that Ukraine is, in fact, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

On that day, Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov stated in an interview, "Because we have weapons and know how to use them, Ukraine has become a de facto NATO member, although not legally."

Regarding concerns that this statement could cause controversy not only in Russia but also within NATO, Reznikov said, "Why would it be controversial? It is a fact," and added, "I am confident that Ukraine will legally become a NATO member in the near future," the BBC reported. He also claimed that although the situation in the fierce battleground of Soledar is very difficult, it is under control.

According to the BBC on the 13th (local time), the Ukrainian Minister of Defense claimed that Ukraine is effectively a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He said that the Russian private military company 'Wagner Group' was deployed in the attack on Soledar, causing numerous casualties. He also emphasized that Yevgeny Prigozhin, who leads Wagner, is interested in gaining economic benefits by taking control of Europe's largest salt mine, stating, "They will make money with blood."

Minister Reznikov predicted that Russia might be gathering troops, ammunition, and weapons in the southern and eastern occupied territories for an offensive. He said that while the Ukrainian military has been waiting for Western weapons, organizational reorganization is necessary, adding, "Spring is a good time to make new moves, and Russia will prepare to start, so we must do the same."

Regarding concerns that Western arms support could provoke Russian backlash, he said, "There is already a war in our country; what worse could happen?"

Meanwhile, the BBC analyzed that although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pushing for rapid NATO accession, it is uncertain whether member countries will formally admit Ukraine even after the war ends.