Zelensky responded to Trump's statements about Ukraine joining NATO, asserting that Ukraine has the right to demand guarantees.

Zelensky made this statement during a meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, as reported by “Ukrinform” and UNIAN.

He advised against drawing conclusions about the United States' policy regarding Ukraine's NATO membership based on Trump’s remarks. He also mentioned that Trump expressed understanding for Russia, which allegedly attacked Ukraine because it was promised NATO membership.

In response, Zelensky acknowledged that the USA, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia “did not see” Ukraine as part of NATO. However, he stated that the war began precisely because Ukraine lacked security guarantees.

“Because they were not afraid that Ukraine would align with anyone. Putin understood that no one would defend Ukraine. His army is larger, and he thought he could destroy us,” the president said.

He also added that he would discuss “serious security guarantees” with Trump, just as he had with Biden.

“Honestly, I believe we have the right to demand serious, strong security guarantees from a country that constantly claims world leadership and from nations that aspire to peace in the world,” he asserted.

More on Trump's statement

During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence, the elected U.S. president criticized the current American leader Joe Biden for his support of Ukraine's NATO membership.

According to him, he “can understand the feelings” of the Russians due to Biden's promise of NATO membership for Ukraine. Additionally, Trump stated that previously “everyone understood” that Ukraine could not join the Alliance.