Zelensky: NATO Membership for Ukraine Means Greater Security for Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine's NATO membership would provide Russia with greater security than Ukraine's non-aligned status, arguing the alliance entry benefits Moscow. Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Zelensky outlined three potential security guarantee components: NATO membership, direct US guarantees modeled on Article 5, and European guarantees within a coalition supported by Washington. He stressed these options are not mutually exclusive. Zelensky noted Ukraine has calculated its military size and funding needs but requires partner financial support. He specified US guarantees must be detailed commitments backed by Congressional votes, not another Budapest Memorandum-style document.