Zelenskyy: Ukraine’s military capabilities merit NATO membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine's military capabilities make it deserving of NATO membership, urging allies to view the country as an integral part of the alliance's collective defence.

Speaking at the Defence Industry Forum in Ankara, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's progress in developing its domestic defence industry and questioned whether a country with such capabilities should remain outside NATO, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

He said Ukraine's battlefield experience and military expertise would strengthen the alliance, arguing that its defence capabilities should become part of NATO's collective security framework.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine and NATO already regard each other as reliable partners and said formal membership would be a natural step toward building a unified security community.

He also stressed that Ukraine would remain on the front line of Europe's security challenges because of its proximity to Russia, describing the country as a significant source of defence capabilities for the alliance.

In addition, Zelenskyy called on partner countries to support Ukraine's efforts to secure a license to manufacture missiles for the U.S.-made Patriot air defence system domestically, saying the move would strengthen the country's ability to defend against Russian attacks.

Separately, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he hoped the NATO summit would help advance decisions favourable to Ukraine, including measures related to the supply of interceptors for defending against ballistic missiles.

By Sabina Mammadli