Zelenskyy Stands Firm on NATO Ambitions Despite Trump’s Hesitation, Seeks Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains steadfast in his pursuit of NATO membership for Ukraine, even as former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism and signaled that Ukraine should abandon the idea. Despite Trump’s apparent resistance, Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized the critical importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, including potential NATO membership, for achieving a lasting peace and preventing future Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy’s unwavering stance reflects his deep conviction that only a robust security framework can protect Ukraine from further encroachment by Russia. He has even stated that he would resign from his presidential position if it were a necessary condition for Ukraine’s acceptance into NATO, underscoring the depth of his commitment to this goal.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Zelenskyy reiterated his determination to find a path toward NATO membership or a comparable security arrangement. He asserted that without concrete security assurances, a ceasefire is unattainable, and any progress toward a resolution would be futile.
These pronouncements come ahead of a scheduled visit to the White House, where Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Trump. Although Trump has suggested that peace negotiations to end the war between Ukraine and Russia are progressing, no agreement has been finalized, and he has been hesitant to discuss plans for a peacekeeping force in the region until a deal is secured.
Despite Trump’s optimistic pronouncements about a potential peace agreement, experts suggest that Zelenskyy’s insistence on NATO membership stems from his belief that it is the most effective deterrent against future Russian aggression. Article 5 of the NATO treaty stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, obligating other NATO members to respond, potentially with military force.
Peter Rough, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, argues that with Western backing, Ukraine becomes a more formidable entity than Russia. He believes that Putin would be more hesitant to restart the war if he knew that major Western powers were obligated to defend Ukraine.
However, Rough acknowledges that bringing Ukraine into NATO would commit the U.S. and Europe to the country’s defense, potentially explaining Trump’s reluctance. As a fallback option, Zelenskyy may seek support from Western troops to enforce a ceasefire. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already indicated the U.K.’s willingness to send troops to Ukraine to ensure peace.
In the absence of NATO membership or Western troop presence, Zelenskyy may have to rely on continued financial and military assistance. However, he remains publicly committed to securing security guarantees, refusing to negotiate against his own interests.
John Hardie, the deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Russia program, warns that another conflict between Russia and Ukraine is likely, and that any negotiations led by the Trump administration will not address the fundamental issues at stake. He believes that Putin’s ultimate goal is to turn Ukraine into a vassal state and reshape the security order in Europe. Consequently, Hardie asserts that NATO membership provides the best defense for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Even if Trump rejects NATO membership for Ukraine, Hardie emphasizes the need for the U.S. to clarify the level of support it will provide to European troops who may be deployed to the region to ensure post-war security. Starmer has argued that any reassurance force would require U.S. backing, as only a U.S. security guarantee can effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again.
Hardie believes that the Trump administration must provide Europe with clarity on its expected contribution. Furthermore, Ukraine will require ongoing military aid from the West, including the United States, although there are ways to alleviate the burden on American taxpayers, such as utilizing frozen Russian assets.
During his visit to the White House, Zelenskyy intends to discuss critical issues with Trump, including the continued provision of aid to Ukraine. Since 2022, Congress has allocated $175 billion in aid to Ukraine.
To offset some of these costs, Trump has indicated that Zelenskyy is expected to sign a rare-earth minerals deal that will enable the U.S. and Ukraine to collaborate on developing resources such as oil and gas. This agreement would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s minerals and contribute to Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction efforts.
Trump has described the agreement as "very important for both sides," stating that it would allow the U.S. to have a significant presence in Ukraine, with many Americans working there.
The minerals deal may also play an economic role in securing future ties.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House and his ongoing efforts to secure security guarantees reflect his unwavering commitment to protecting Ukraine from Russian aggression and ensuring a stable and secure future for his country. While Trump’s position on NATO membership remains uncertain, Zelenskyy continues to advocate for the most robust security framework possible, recognizing that the fate of Ukraine hinges on its ability to deter future Russian aggression.
