Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the 9th (local time) that he plans to discuss NATO membership with U.S. President Joe Biden within a few days.
According to major foreign media on the same day, President Zelensky emphasized the need for security guarantees during a meeting with Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's main opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who visited the capital Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (left), is shaking hands with Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Germany, in Kyiv on the 9th (local time). Photo by EPA Yonhap News
President Zelensky said, "I plan to call President Biden soon to ask about the invitation to join NATO," adding, "He is the incumbent president, and much depends on his opinion." He also added, "It makes no sense to discuss this with Trump before he takes office."
Regarding the European troop deployment proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron last February, Zelensky said, "It would guarantee our security while Ukraine is not a member of NATO," but also stated, "However, there needs to be a clear understanding of when Ukraine will join the European Union (EU) and when it will join NATO."
President Zelensky recently changed his stance, saying that even if Ukraine does not fully recover the territories occupied by Russia, it could agree to a ceasefire if NATO membership is decided. However, NATO has rejected Ukraine's membership request. Ukraine is expected to begin persuading the Biden administration about support roughly a month before the inauguration of Donald Trump, who has been skeptical of assistance.
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