As Ukraine marks three years since the full-scale Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his country’s unwavering commitment to joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). However, in a bold statement on Monday, Zelensky asserted that if Ukraine is not granted NATO membership, the country will build its own version of the alliance within its borders.
His remarks underline the strategic importance of NATO for Ukraine’s security and long-term stability. Zelensky emphasized that the alliance remains the most cost-effective way to deter future aggression from Russia. If Ukraine is unable to formally join NATO, he explained, the country must develop its own robust military infrastructure, ensure sustainable financing, and manufacture sufficient weaponry to counter any threats.
“NATO is the most cost-effective option for preventing another war. It is the simplest and most logical solution,” Zelensky stated. “If Ukraine does not join NATO, we will have to create NATO within Ukraine, which means maintaining an army strong enough to repel aggression, financing it, producing and storing enough of our own weapons, and negotiating with our partners about their participation to deter Russia from starting another war.”
Zelensky’s statement comes amid growing discussions regarding Ukraine’s future in NATO. The alliance had previously indicated in 2008 that Ukraine could eventually become a member. However, after Russia’s invasion, Zelensky called for an accelerated process to secure membership. Despite support from many Western allies, former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg maintained that Ukraine’s accession could only take place once the war ends.
Meanwhile, Russia remains fiercely opposed to Ukraine joining NATO, fearing that the alliance’s military presence would expand further toward its borders. Moscow has long viewed NATO enlargement as a direct threat to its sphere of influence, a stance that has fueled tensions for years.
Additionally, the geopolitical landscape in the United States is playing a role in Ukraine’s trajectory. Calls from the new U.S. administration for Kyiv to hold elections despite being under martial law add another layer of complexity to the situation. Zelensky even suggested he would be willing to step down if it would secure Ukraine’s NATO membership.
As NATO now comprises 32 members across Europe and North America, Ukraine’s pursuit of membership remains a pivotal issue in global security. Whether through formal accession or a self-reliant defense structure, Zelensky’s resolve underscores Ukraine’s determination to protect its sovereignty and prevent another war.
