During a recent meeting at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his country's desire to join NATO, citing it as the best security guarantee for Ukraine. Despite acknowledging that the current US administration may not be ready to discuss Ukrainian membership in NATO, Zelensky emphasized the importance of the alliance for ensuring Ukraine's security.
Zelensky expressed trust in NATO and its security guarantees, stating that joining the alliance would be the most cost-effective option for Ukraine. He highlighted the need for Ukraine to align itself with Europe if NATO membership is not feasible, emphasizing the importance of having the necessary military capabilities and equipment.
The Ukrainian president outlined the need for a larger military force, estimating that Ukraine would require an army of 1.5 million personnel. He noted that the current size of the Ukrainian military falls short of this target and highlighted the need for increased military spending to meet these requirements.
Zelensky also addressed the need for a foreign force to guarantee a ceasefire in the region, emphasizing the importance of determining the size and location of such a contingent. He raised questions about the feasibility of funding these initiatives and called for a strategic approach to addressing Ukraine's security needs.
Overall, Zelensky's remarks underscored Ukraine's commitment to enhancing its security through closer cooperation with NATO and other international partners. The discussions at the Munich Security Conference shed light on the complex security challenges facing Ukraine and the importance of strategic planning to address these issues effectively.
