Zelensky said on Saturday that the US proposal made him believe that "Nato is back on the agenda". US officials had previously said that Ukrainian Nato membership was off the table. But he cautioned: "You have also heard Putin's signals, and this is an extremely difficult conversation." He went on to say that if he received a proposal that contained security guarantees, no constraints on Ukraine's military and funds to rebuild the country, he would put it to a referendum. Zelensky has also consistently said Ukraine was unwilling to give up sovereign territory, despite Moscow's demands for it to cede the Donbas.
WinstonZelensky, who has outlined Ukraine's position on territory and conditions for a public vote, said today that the US proposal made him believe "NATO is back on the agenda."
AsherUS officials had previously said Ukrainian NATO membership was off the table. That's the contrast: Zelensky now believes it's open for discussion.
WinstonZelensky also cautioned: "You have also heard Putin's signals, and this is an extremely difficult conversation."
AsherAnd Zelensky has consistently said Ukraine is unwilling to give up sovereign territory, despite Moscow's demands that Ukraine give up the Donbas.
WinstonWhat did Zelensky say a proposal would need before he'd put it to a public vote?
AsherHe said that if he received a proposal containing security guarantees, no constraints on Ukraine's military, and funds to rebuild the country, he would put it to a referendum—a public vote.
WinstonSo the referendum depends on receiving a proposal with all three conditions. And NATO being back in discussion, in Zelensky's view, is different from Ukraine being admitted.
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