The issue of Ukraine's accession to NATO is a choice of Ukrainian society, but the decision to admit our country to the Alliance is made by other states. Therefore, Ukraine will continue its Euro-Atlantic integration, but must rely on its Armed Forces first. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for 1 + 1 TV channel.
"It seems to me that President Biden said this not only to me, but he said publicly that NATO and membership in the Alliance is a choice not of the United States, Russia or any Alliance country. This is the choice of the society of Ukraine, the choice of the citizens of Ukraine," the Head of State said.
"Unfortunately, he did not add that it is not the citizens of Ukraine who decide, but the countries I mentioned," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the United States and the European Union support our country and note that Ukraine does not give in to provocations from Russia and illegal groups in Donbas.
"We need to look at everything calmly, not shout that the enemy will come here tomorrow. We have to be strong, rely on ourselves, on our army - they are definitely patriots. And here the question is definitely not in the number," the Head of State noted.
According to the President, Ukraine has shown its strength in resisting the armed aggression in Donbas.
"Everyone is ready at any moment to become military and defend their state. I think this is the strongest Alliance for us today. I believe that it is stronger for us than any military bloc," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, the Head of State assured that Ukraine will continue its path to NATO, although some countries are putting a "barrier" on this path.