Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy floated the idea on Monday of foreign troops being deployed to war-stricken Ukraine until the country joins the NATO military alliance.
He made the remark during a joint press conference in Kyiv with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, as Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House intensifies talk of a possible deal to end Russia's 33-month-old war.
Ukraine, which has made a concerted push to obtain an invitation to join NATO, has insisted throughout the war that it needs security guarantees to prevent Russia launching another invasion after the current hostilities are halted.
"A troop contingent from one country or another could be present in Ukraine for as long as it isn't part of NATO. But for that we need to have a clear understanding of when Ukraine becomes an EU member and when a NATO member," Zelenskyy said.
French President Emmanuel Macron caused controversy in Europe in February when he raised the possibility of European nations sending troops to Ukraine, although he cautioned that there was no consensus on the matter.
"Even if we get invited (to NATO), what happens then? Who guarantees our security? We can think about that and work on Emmanuel Macron's proposal," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader told reporters he was hoping to call outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden in the coming days to discuss NATO membership.
"I intend to call President Biden in the coming time to discuss the question of an invitation to join NATO," he said through an interpreter.
"He is the current president and a lot rides on his opinion. Discussing it with Trump before he takes office doesn't make so much sense."
Russia has demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and sees Kyiv's membership of the alliance as an unacceptable security threat.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that European security guarantees and a frozen conflict will not suffice, emphasizing Ukraine's aspiration to join NATO and secure clear, future guarantees.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged with NATO leaders and European officials in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's security needs.
Ukraine is not yet ready for peace talks with Russia, citing the need for more weapons, NATO membership, and security guarantees to prevent future aggression, said Andriy Yermak, President Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, as Kyiv seeks a stronger position for negotiations.
On the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the nation's military as the cornerstone of its security, emphasizing their role amidst ongoing challenges.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Kyiv, pledging €650 million in new military aid, including tanks and air defences. Amid political shifts in Germany, Scholz assured long-term support for Ukraine, urging Russia to end its invasion and respect Ukrainian sovereignty.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope for Middle East peace and a brighter future, calling Christmas a time to focus on family, friendship, and unity.
Global hunger worsens as wealthy nations cut aid, leaving 117 million people without essential support in 2025, warns the UN.
A 33-year-old man, Sebastian Zapeta, has been charged with murder and arson after allegedly setting a woman on fire on a New York City subway train. The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, died at the scene after her clothing became engulfed in flames.
Maia Sandu takes office for her second term as Moldova's president, following a decisive election victory and a ceremony attended by key officials and diplomats.
A Christmas market has opened in Damascus, marking a moment of hope and unity just days after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, as residents gather to celebrate amidst ongoing uncertainty.
Negotiations at COP29 in Baku face a critical impasse as sharp divisions over climate finance and fossil fuel commitments threaten progress.
"Come up with the video in its full form," demands the COP29 CEO, Elnur Soltanov, in an exclusive interview with AnewZ. The chief executive has broken his silence on the claims he was using his position to organise potential fossil fuel deals.
Global hunger worsens as wealthy nations cut aid, leaving 117 million people without essential support in 2025, warns the UN.
A 33-year-old man, Sebastian Zapeta, has been charged with murder and arson after allegedly setting a woman on fire on a New York City subway train. The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, died at the scene after her clothing became engulfed in flames.
Maia Sandu takes office for her second term as Moldova's president, following a decisive election victory and a ceremony attended by key officials and diplomats.
A Christmas market has opened in Damascus, marking a moment of hope and unity just days after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, as residents gather to celebrate amidst ongoing uncertainty.
Famine in Sudan has expanded to five areas, with millions facing severe hunger as the ongoing civil war disrupts aid delivery, displaces millions, and worsens one of the world’s most critical humanitarian crises.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope for Middle East peace and a brighter future, calling Christmas a time to focus on family, friendship, and unity.
Global hunger worsens as wealthy nations cut aid, leaving 117 million people without essential support in 2025, warns the UN.
A 33-year-old man, Sebastian Zapeta, has been charged with murder and arson after allegedly setting a woman on fire on a New York City subway train. The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, died at the scene after her clothing became engulfed in flames.
Maia Sandu takes office for her second term as Moldova's president, following a decisive election victory and a ceremony attended by key officials and diplomats.
A Christmas market has opened in Damascus, marking a moment of hope and unity just days after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, as residents gather to celebrate amidst ongoing uncertainty.
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