Zelenskyy called for Ukraine to be invited to join NATO on the basis of its combat experience and defence capabilities
Speaking at the NATO Defence Industry Forum in Ankara, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has unique experience of modern warfare, and that its defence capabilities could significantly strengthen the Alliance should it become a member.
“I have a question for you: do you really think it is right for a country and a people with such a high level of defence capabilities to remain outside NATO? If we already possess such capabilities, if Ukrainians have already learnt to fight in this way, then it is entirely logical that these capabilities should become part of the Alliance’s collective defence. This will make us all stronger,” said Zelenskyy.
The President emphasised that Ukraine and NATO already regard each other as reliable partners. According to him, Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance would mean the emergence of additional powerful defence capabilities, particularly given that the country will continue to be situated close to Russia.
The Head of State also stated that the Ukrainian military had already changed the strategic situation on the battlefield, in particular thanks to its ability to strike targets on Russian territory.
“For a long time, Russia believed it had a territorial advantage, that its deep rear was out of reach. We’ve got them,” Zelenskyy remarked.
The President reported that in June alone, the Ukrainian Defence Forces had eliminated nearly 28,000 Russian troops, the majority of whom were taken out by drones.
“And, to be frank, we are not at all proud of this. I am only mentioning this to show what modern warfare looks like. This is a war we did not start, but which we are forced to fight to protect our country, our people and our children,” said the head of state.
According to Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian military has increased its success rate in intercepting Russian ‘Shahed’-type attack drones to over 90 per cent. He noted that Ukraine destroys thousands of such drones every week and now has experience in countering drone attacks on a scale unmatched by any other country.
The President also highlighted the development of maritime unmanned systems. He said they have already become multi-purpose platforms capable of striking targets not only at sea, but also on land and in the air.
As well as defending Ukrainian airspace against Russian attacks, Ukraine is carrying out long-range strikes on Russian territory and military targets deep within the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy emphasised that all this combat experience and technological expertise could become an important component of NATO’s collective defence should Ukraine join the Alliance.
The President also noted that Ukraine expects the NATO summit in Ankara to produce decisions that will strengthen the protection of citizens, expand defence capabilities and reinforce security cooperation between Ukraine, Europe and the United States.
