Janice R. Andrews
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the Munich Security Conference 2025, emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to pursuing NATO membership despite ongoing challenges. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence, stating that Putin’s whims are effectively blocking NATO decisions.
Zelensky stressed the importance of strong security guarantees, particularly from the U.S., but highlighted that Europe must also bolster its own commitments. “I don’t believe in security guarantees without America,” he said, adding that Ukraine’s NATO membership remains a non-negotiable priority.
The Ukrainian leader also pointed to the staggering losses Russia has faced in the war, with nearly 250,000 soldiers killed and over 610,000 wounded. Despite this, Zelensky noted that no NATO troops are directly involved in the conflict, underscoring Ukraine’s resilience.
Zelensky’s remarks shed light on the geopolitical tensions hindering Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, with Putin’s actions continuing to shape the alliance’s decisions. The speech underscores the urgent need for stronger international support to counter Russian aggression and secure Ukraine’s future.
