If It Were Not for That, the War Might Not Have Started – Trump on Ukraine's Desire

The Russia-Ukraine war began due to Kyiv's desire to join NATO. This was stated by U.S. President Donald Trump in an interview with Time magazine.

"I don’t think they will ever be able to join NATO. I think that was the cause of starting the war when they started talking about joining NATO. If it were not for that, there would be a much greater likelihood that the war would not have started," said the U.S. President.

It should be noted that Russia lists Ukraine's rejection of NATO membership as one of the prerequisites for ending the war. However, Kyiv insists that NATO membership would be the most reliable security guarantee for the country. Nevertheless, NATO has not officially invited Ukraine, emphasizing that as long as the war continues, membership is impossible.