We Are Not Accepted into NATO Because They Fear Russia: Zelensky

About one third of NATO member countries do not see Ukraine as part of the alliance. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an exclusive interview broadcast on Czech television on Monday evening, as reported by TASS.

“NATO exists, and the aspiration to join NATO is enshrined in Ukraine’s Constitution, but some countries of the alliance see Ukrainian prospects differently. Approximately one third of the countries within NATO do not see us there. They have even openly stated this. I believe that Ukrainian society will put pressure on me. We, I think, will pass this exam,” said Zelensky.

According to the president, the doors of NATO will remain open for Ukraine. Earlier, addressing the prospects of Ukraine's NATO membership, Zelensky said: “The answer is very simple. We already understand everything. They are not taking us because they are afraid of Russia. That's all.”

“There are NATO countries that want to be security guarantors, which, unfortunately, cannot arrange for us to be 100 percent members of the alliance, but are ready to do everything the alliance should do if we were members. And I believe that this is a normal compromise,” said the Ukrainian president.