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Valery Zaluzhnyi stated that Ukraine has no prospect of joining NATO, noting that the country completely fails to meet the military standards required for the alliance. According to the media outlet Evropeiska Pravda and reporting by Reuters, Zaluzhnyi delivered the assessment on Monday during a meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors, drawing on his roughly 12 years of personal experience working to align national forces with the organization.
Why Valery Zaluzhnyi Says Ukraine Cannot Meet NATO Standards
Zaluzhnyi explained that the current development level of the Armed Forces of Ukraine makes integration impossible under an organization that is guided by World War II doctrine. According to Reuters, the former commander emphasized that Ukraine requires technologies already used in NATO member countries, specifically citing anti-missile defense and space capabilities. While Ukraine enshrines in its constitution the strategic goal of becoming a member of NATO and the European Union, the country acknowledges that currently they will not be accepted into NATO by all its members. Russia has rejected the idea of Ukrainian membership in NATO.
Political Fallout and Leadership Shifts in Kyiv
Zaluzhnyi currently serves as ambassador to the United Kingdom. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed him as top commander in 2024 following disagreements over the conduct of the war with Russia, which is now in its fifth year. Public opinion surveys on voter trust place him roughly equivalent to Zelenskiy and former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed as defense minister last month. The successor to Zaluzhnyi as top commander was also dismissed last month.
Did you know? Ukraine has enshrined in its constitution the strategic goal of becoming a member of NATO and the European Union.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Valery Zaluzhnyi say Ukraine will not join NATO?
According to Reuters, Zaluzhnyi stated that Ukraine lacks the necessary military standards and requires technologies such as anti-missile defense and space capabilities used by NATO members.
What is Valery Zaluzhnyi’s current role?
Zaluzhnyi serves as ambassador to the United Kingdom, having been dismissed as Ukraine’s top commander in 2024.
Does the Ukrainian constitution mention NATO?
Yes, Ukraine has enshrined in its constitution the strategic goal of becoming a member of NATO and the European Union.
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