Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated that if Ukraine is not granted NATO membership in the near future, alternative security guarantees—potentially including nuclear weapons—must be provided.
In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Zelensky addressed key issues surrounding Ukraine’s security, the ongoing war with Russia, and his expectations from Western allies, particularly the United States.
NATO Membership or Alternative Deterrence
Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine’s path to NATO membership could take “years or even decades” and posed a direct question:
“If we are not in NATO, what will protect us from this evil for all these years? What kind of support package? What kind of missiles? Will they give us nuclear weapons? Then let them give us nuclear weapons.”
The Ukrainian leader argued that without NATO’s full protection, Ukraine needs strong deterrents against future Russian aggression. He suggested that Western countries should provide advanced missile systems, fund a million-strong army, and deploy international military contingents to stabilise Ukrainian territory.
“If we are not in NATO, and America says it is not ready to take Ukraine into NATO, then Putin must fully retreat from our territory. That is logical,” Zelensky stated.
He further pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin justified his invasion by claiming he wanted to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. Now that Ukraine remains outside the alliance, Zelensky argued, Russia has no justification to continue occupying Ukrainian territory.
US Support and the Trump Factor
Zelensky addressed concerns about waning American support, particularly with Donald Trump returning to the presidency. Trump has positioned himself as an anti-war candidate, and many of his supporters view Ukraine aid as a drain on US resources. Zelensky, however, warned that cutting off support would have dire consequences.
“If the aid from the United States stops, it will have a strong influence on European leaders, and if their support decreases as well, we will be at risk of losing our territory. Putin’s victory will become a real possibility.”
He stressed that without US support, Ukraine would struggle to maintain its defensive capabilities, and the consequences would extend beyond Ukraine’s borders:
“This is not just about Ukraine. If we fall, Putin will not stop. He will go to the Baltic states, to Poland, to Romania. Many other nations could be destabilised.”
While acknowledging Trump’s stance on ending the war, Zelensky expressed hope that the US president would not abandon Ukraine.
Russia’s Narrative and Zelensky’s Legitimacy
During the interview, Morgan questioned Zelensky about claims made by the Kremlin that he is no longer a legitimate leader due to the postponement of elections in Ukraine. Zelensky dismissed these accusations, pointing to his democratic mandate:
“I was elected by 73% of my population. That is democracy. Russia’s leader was not elected—so by definition, they are not a democracy.”
He also pushed back against claims that Ukraine’s 2014 loss of Crimea was legitimate, stating that many of its residents initially sought good relations with Russia but changed their views after years of occupation and war.
“Ask those people now, the people whose households Putin killed. They hate him.”
Nuclear Weapons and Security Guarantees
Zelensky made a stark assertion regarding Ukraine’s past decision to give up its nuclear arsenal in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum, which was meant to guarantee Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He argued that had Ukraine retained nuclear weapons, Russia would never have invaded:
“If we still had nuclear weapons, he would never have invaded in 2022. Never. He would have been afraid.”
He criticised the security assurances Ukraine received in exchange for giving up its nuclear weapons, stating that they ultimately amounted to nothing.
“Our nuclear weapons were exchanged for nothing. We lost our protection.”
Responding to US Conservatives’ Criticism
The Ukrainian president also addressed criticism from prominent US conservative figures, including broadcaster Tucker Carlson, who has accused Zelensky of being a dictator. Zelensky dismissed these claims as Kremlin propaganda:
“Unfortunately, this journalist repeats Putin’s words. He works for Putin. He wants to lower me to Putin’s level. But Putin is a murderer. He has killed tens of thousands of civilians.”
He also responded to podcast host Joe Rogan, who criticised Ukraine for striking military targets inside Russia:
“We have had our own 9/11 for three years. If terrorists are massing on your border, will you just wait? No, you strike first. That is exactly what we are doing.”
Assassinations and Ukraine’s Military Strategy
Zelensky was also asked about reports that a Russian paramilitary leader was killed in an assassination operation linked to Ukraine. While not confirming specific details, he suggested that such actions were justified in cases involving war criminals responsible for atrocities against Ukrainians:
“Ukraine does not conduct premeditated assassinations. But if someone has tortured and killed Ukrainians, if there is evidence and a legal case, then Ukraine’s security services act.”
Final Message to Trump
As the interview concluded, Morgan asked Zelensky if he had a final message for President Trump. The Ukrainian leader urged the US to maintain its leadership role in securing peace:
“This war must end during his time in office. We must not lose more days, more lives. If the war ends today, it will be because the right pressure was applied to Putin. If not, the war will continue, and that is dangerous for everyone.”
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s fight is not only about its own sovereignty but also about maintaining stability in Europe and preventing further Russian expansionism.
“We must have security guarantees that ensure this never happens again. Ukraine has proven its resilience. We deserve peace with dignity.”
His remarks underscored Ukraine’s determination to continue fighting for its sovereignty while pushing for greater Western support to ensure long-term security. The key question remains whether Trump, and the broader Western alliance, will commit to the security guarantees Ukraine demands.
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