President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Western officials discussing the idea of territorial concessions from Ukraine in exchange for NATO membership have not spoken to him about this issue because they are afraid.
He made this remark in an interview with Financial Times, as reported by "European Truth".
Zelensky pointed out that Western officials proposing an agreement where Kyiv "exchanges" Russian-occupied territories for NATO membership have not conducted any consultations with him.
"People have never said this (to us). People are afraid to say (to me)," the President of Ukraine stated.
He urged these officials to present this proposal openly "on the table" before Ukrainians. "Not through some third party. Talk to us," the Ukrainian president emphasized.
Zelensky mentioned that he is open to peaceful proposals from other countries if they are "realistic" and do not seek to undermine Ukraine's support.
He also asserted that an official invitation to join NATO is the "only way" for Ukraine to survive the Russian invasion and compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table.
"We cannot be very strong without an invitation that enhances our diplomatic paths to end the war," Zelensky stated.
He compared the debates over the NATO invitation to previous discussions about providing Ukraine with Patriot missile systems or F-16 fighter jets, where Western capitals initially refused but gradually changed their stance and agreed.
"The reaction to the 'victory plan' is exactly the same as with the Patriots, F-16... But we have to do this. It is the only way to survive," he said.
In the White House, commenting on Volodymyr Zelensky's "victory plan," they stated that there is no consensus in NATO regarding Ukraine's membership in the Alliance.
Earlier, the Financial Times published an article claiming that Ukrainian officials have allegedly become more open in discussions about a potential ceasefire agreement with their Western counterparts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the information provided by the Financial Times.