NATO instead of nuclear weapons: Zelensky shares details of negotiations with the West during a live broadcast.
Ukraine has reached agreements with the United States, under which new military aid packages will be provided every two to three weeks. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that these aid packages will become part of the so-called "Victory Plan" and will range from $500 to $750 million. This will be a significant step towards strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities in the war against Russia.
He made this statement to reporters on October 18. Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine has no intention of developing nuclear weapons or threatening other countries. However, if U.S. policy changes after the upcoming elections, Ukraine has a "Plan B" that will take new conditions into account and will affect the course or conclusion of the war.
"We never intended to create nuclear weapons. For some media outlets, this was a misinformation campaign. Ukraine must be in NATO - and the argument is that in 1997 we gave up nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees. The best guarantee is NATO membership. And the fact that we received this piece of paper is a violation. Those who guaranteed our security did not stop Russia. This happened back in 2014. If you look at the countries in the world where there are no wars, they are either NATO countries or countries with dangerous weapons. Ukraine gave up everything - yet received nothing. Of what is on the table, the real second option is NATO," Zelensky stressed.
Strengthening Ukraine's Position on the International Stage
The President noted that Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before, thanks to support from the U.S. However, he pointed out that certain skeptical sentiments still exist, particularly among German politicians.
"Unfortunately, the leading countries have not yet rid themselves of the desire not to completely close the door to Russia. That is my impression," Zelensky shared.
The president also highlighted the importance of Western assistance to ensure equal negotiations with Russia.
"Do you want us to talk to the Russians? Then strengthen us. So that we can sit on equal terms. If there is an attack on our energy resources and a blackout - there will be a response to their energy resources and a blackout," Zelensky explained.
Ukraine's Future in NATO and a Strong Army After the War
Zelensky commented on the first point of the "Victory Plan" regarding Ukraine's accession to NATO, noting that critics of this approach do not offer alternatives.
"Everyone who criticizes the first point of the Victory Plan regarding NATO has no alternative option. They may tell you about a frozen conflict. But they cannot guarantee a repeat of 2022," he stated.
He also emphasized that Ukraine will have a strong army after the war, ready for defense.
"Ukraine will have a large army after the war," the head of state emphasized.
Zelensky reassured journalists that the U.S. will not coerce Ukraine into anything against its will. He considers this to be incorrect. Zelensky also responded to a question about how Ukraine could strengthen NATO.
"No one wants to fight. No one in NATO knows for sure what will happen if there is a semi-scale war - for example, on the territory of the European continent, on the territory of one of the NATO states. How NATO countries will act - God forbid, together. But no one knows. Because there is public support from some states, while in others there is none. And this indicates that there will be difficulties... But in any case, this will already be a hundred percent World War," he said.
Ukraine's Experience Interests International Partners
Zelensky spoke about the interest of international partners in Ukraine's military experience. He noted that NATO countries have long been observing how the Armed Forces of Ukraine use the provided weapons and how effective they are.
"Ukraine's partners are interested in our war experience. They are studying this experience. We welcome them here. This information is open to them," Zelensky said.
According to the president, particular attention is drawn to the Ukrainian drone program, which has attracted investments from Northern European countries. Nordic countries are especially increasing their financial involvement, Zelensky emphasized.
"Ukraine currently has some of the best drones in the world. They understand that today they are investing money in our drones, and after the war, we will return them," Zelensky summarized, adding that Ukraine continues to move forward, strengthening its international position and developing its military potential for further defense against Russian aggression.
On the Peace Summit and Its Results
Zelensky believes that Ukraine does not need a declarative summit; there should be results. He emphasized that certain things must be done before the [second] Peace Summit. He also stated that he agrees with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha that it should not be just a protocol result.
"There must be some positive outcomes regarding the end of the war. Then there should be a summit where we can discuss the next steps. But simply holding a declarative summit with 100 countries gathered. And what? - It's meaningless. I don't want anything meaningless. This is undesirable for us. We would then lose steps regarding the possibilities of ending the war," he stressed.
Economic Reservation and Mobilization from Age 18
When asked about economic reservation, which Zelensky had previously defended, he stated that if economic reservation is to be applied fully or anew (since it is already functioning for the strategic industry - editor), it must be fair. How to find this fairness, according to Zelensky, is the task of the Ministry of Economy, and primarily - Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
"He has this task. The models they showed me, honestly, I believe, are not entirely fair. Because it is difficult to choose one profession over another. Other criteria should be established. The criteria should not be solely based on profession. Regarding critical infrastructure and professions without which the military cannot survive, it works. But everything else is indeed a complex issue. It has not been implemented precisely because finding balance is difficult," the president responded.
Ukraine's partners would like to see the age of mobilization in Ukraine reduced, Zelensky confirmed. He reminded that currently, mobilization in Ukraine is from the age of 25.
"We do not yet see the need to introduce these changes. I believe that at this time it is dangerous. There is a tool for this. Please, the Ministry of Defense has contracts, and there is an opportunity to enlist voluntarily. Any person under the age of 25 can voluntarily join the army. The Ministry of Defense should propose special contracts, special conditions. And then, if a person wants to go and serve in a contractual army - they can go. For now, that's the way it is," he said.
He also added that he is not concerned about the outflow of youth from Ukraine, which occurs during any war. One way or another, people who have the legal right to leave the country can do so.
"But there are no plans regarding mobilization from age 18, as are discussed and spread as misinformation," he emphasized.
Victory - Is It Returning to the Borders of 1991 or Are There Compromises?
Zelensky called this question complex. Because in any case, Ukraine cannot recognize occupied territories as territories of the Russian Federation.
"And this is one of the most complex challenges that exist. Because everyone understands that what Putin did, inscribing some of our territories into his constitution - this is a serious problem. He simply stole them. Not only temporarily occupied (although I firmly believe that this is a temporary occupation until Ukraine legally secures something). Here is a very serious point, because life can be different. But everything depends on us, on our strength, on the fatigue of partners or their resilience. On the desire for policy change and many things. But there is a historical perspective on this. Our land is enshrined in our Constitution and in internationally recognized documents. Different scenarios can occur, but as long as Ukraine does not legally recognize certain territories as Russian at any given moment, those territories and villages will remain Ukrainian," Zelensky stated.
Permission for Long-Range Strikes with Western Weapons
Zelensky commented on the urgent situation regarding partners not granting the necessary permissions: "If we do not apply pressure, nothing will change." At the same time, he acknowledged that different countries may have different opinions on this matter.
"Not everyone still understands that this war is everyone's war. Some think like this: 'We respect Ukraine very much, a strong nation that justly fights for its existence, but this is their war.' There are countries that think this way. We must understand this. Then it is easier to comprehend what you can expect and what is simply fantasy," Zelensky noted.
The president recalled how he was told "Don't even think" regarding