Ukraine is formalizing its request for fast-track NATO membership this Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced shortly after Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions.
We are taking a decisive step by signing Ukraine’s candidacy for NATO’s accelerated membership,” Zelensky said in a statement posted on the presidency’s website.
The statement is accompanied by a video of Zelensky’s communication, which concludes with the signing of the document.
The news came after a meeting of Ukraine’s National Security Council held on the day Russia formalized the annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia.
“Today, Ukraine presents its ‘de jure’ candidacy [à NATO]”Zelensky said, noting that the request would be made through an urgent procedure.
“We know this is possible. This year, we saw Finland and Sweden start joining the alliance without an action plan for membership,” he explained.
Zelensky said that Ukraine is already “in reality” on the path to becoming a member of the Atlantic alliance and has demonstrated its compatibility with NATO’s military standards on the battlefield and in relations with allies.
There is mutual trust, we help each other and protect each other. This is the alliance,” he said.
Accession must be ratified by the 30 members of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
The annexation of the four regions, which cover about 15 percent of Ukraine’s territory, was held between September 23 and 27 in referendums not recognized by the international community.
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