Zelensky dismissed Putin's proposal to reduce the Armed Forces of Ukraine, even after receiving an invitation to NATO.

President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected the possibility of reducing the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, even after a potential invitation to NATO. During a briefing in Brussels, he stated that the country has no right to diminish its military, as this poses risks to national security. He also confirmed that Ukraine is not waiting for an invitation to the Alliance but is fighting for that right.

He emphasized that the best guarantee of the country's security is a strong army. He made this statement during a meeting with journalists in Brussels, as reported by "European Truth".

"The best (of the options for guarantees) is a strong army, a large army. The largest army in Europe. We simply have no right to limit the strength of our army, in any case, even on the way to NATO. As long as we are not in NATO, we are at risk," Zelensky stressed.

The president also highlighted that Ukraine is considering various types of security guarantees, including sanctions and financial mechanisms, but this is not sufficient.

"But all of this is not enough to say that Putin will not come (with war – ed.) again," he noted.

Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine will continue its fight for NATO membership, as it is the only path to long-term security. At the same time, he announced the visit of Keith Kellogg, the special representative of elected U.S. President Donald Trump, to Kyiv before the official inauguration of the new U.S. leader.

Statements from Trump's special representative on ending the war in Ukraine

Future U.S. envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg stated that both sides of the conflict - Ukraine and Russia - are ready for dialogue to end the war. Kellogg emphasized that with Donald Trump's election as president of the United States, opportunities for achieving peace will arise. According to him, Trump is capable of ending the war in Ukraine by the end of this year.

Additionally, in the U.S., Trump's "Plan B" was outlined in case Putin does not agree to end the war in Ukraine. The U.S. could easily push the Russian economy into a downturn by reducing gas prices and increasing oil production, causing the ruble to drop even further, and then every Russian will feel the consequences.

Recall that on December 7, Volodymyr Zelensky met in Paris with Donald Trump. The latter arrived in the French capital for the opening of the legendary Notre-Dame (Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris) wearing symbolic attire - the elected U.S. leader donned a blue suit and a yellow tie. Volodymyr Zelensky stated after the meeting with Trump that it was productive and that Trump is determined. In Zelensky's opinion, peace through strength is possible. He added that the value of the meeting lies in the fact that partners heard Ukraine's clear position "not from third parties".