Ukraine applies for fast-track NATO accession, Stoltenberg to speak soon

Authored by kyivindependent.com and submitted by glmtd
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In a video address on Sept. 30, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has applied for NATO membership. The country, according to him, should count on the NATO fast-track accession.

"De facto, we have already become a NATO ally. We trust each other, we help each other, and we protect each other. This is the Alliance," Zelensky said. "Today Ukraine submits an application to make this de jure. (Our accession) would be a formal solidifying of the real state of things we've already achieved."

In his speech, Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready for peace talks with Russia but only with a different Russian president.

"It was our state that repeatedly offered Russia to agree on coexistence on equal, honest, dignified, and fair terms. It is obvious that this is impossible with this Russian president. He does not know what dignity and honesty are. Therefore, we are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but with another president of Russia," Zelensky added.

Zelensky's video address follows the televised address and ceremony where Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed annexation of four Ukrainian regions that Russia partly occupied.

SporkOfThor on September 30th, 2022 at 17:50 UTC »

I've heard NATO gives out HIMARS as a signing bonus.

dendo888 on September 30th, 2022 at 17:13 UTC »

It’s a strategic move. After the announcement from Russia on the annexation and any attacks on the territory, a counter announcement by Ukraine on applying for NATO and willing to hold talks with Russia but not with Putin. Smart.

pampic7 on September 30th, 2022 at 16:21 UTC »

Zelensky:

De facto, we have already completed our path to NATO.

De facto, we have already proven interoperability with the Alliance’s standards, they are real for Ukraine - real on the battlefield and in all aspects of our interaction.

We trust each other, we help each other and we protect each other. This is what the Alliance is. De facto.

Today, Ukraine is applying to make it de jure. Under a procedure consistent with our significance for the protection of our entire community. Under an accelerated procedure.