Statement Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the possible end of the war was made during a press conference organized in Kiev on the occasion of the President's visit European Council Antonio Kosta.
President Ukrainy answering journalists' questions, he emphasized that the authorities in Kiev will never recognize the border changes forced by the Russian invasion. At the same time, Volodymyr Zelensky said that possible peace talks and temporary acceptance of the border on the front line could take place if the “safety umbrella” NATO within the limits recognized by international law.
– We will never legally recognize any Russian occupation of our lands. We will not recognize these lands as Russian. These are exclusively our lands. These are only our people. These are temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine, he said.
– Of course it will all come back. I would love for most of them to return diplomatically so that there would be no casualties. I'm not sure Putin understands this, but I want most of the civilized world to understand it, he added.
War in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky on security guarantees
Later in his statement, the President of Ukraine referred to the issue of the country's geopolitical future and participation in international alliances. According to Volodymyr Zelensky, the best form of security guarantee is a combination of two elements: military – membership in NATO and economic – joining European Union.
– These are two requirements, regardless of future diplomatic paths after the end of the war. For us, the EU and NATO are fundamental and will remain so. I'm sure of it. No matter how difficult it may be, no matter how it looks today, we have encountered many different difficulties. We will manage somehow, he emphasized, adding that the entire territory of Ukraine, including the occupied territories, should be included in NATO.
Continuing their statement, Zelensky noted that for Ukraine's future, its presence in NATO is particularly important due to Art. 5 of the Washington Treaty, which specifies that an attack on one ally is an attack on the entire Alliance.
– As you know, inviting Ukraine to future NATO membership is the first point of Ukraine's victory planwhich was presented to current US President Joe Biden and his successor Donald Trump – he concluded.