Ukraine wants EU and NATO involvement in talks with Russia

According to RT on December 3, at a press conference with European Council President António Costa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the European Union (EU) and NATO should participate in future settlement negotiations with Russia.

At the same time, the Ukrainian leader stressed that the ally must first strengthen Kiev's position, according to the points of the "victory plan" set out by Mr. Zelensky.

“How the fighting will end depends on the start of the negotiation process, during which Ukraine will be strengthened with the help of partners... Who will sit at this negotiating table? Russia, Ukraine, the European Union and NATO. Why? Because we consider ourselves part of the security system within these alliances,” President Zelensky said.

He noted that he was expecting an increase in the supply of weapons, including long-range ones - a list of which he had already sent to the United States and Europe, as well as an invitation to join NATO. However, President Zelensky admitted that he had no illusions about soon becoming a member of the military alliance.

“There are countries that are skeptical, and the United States is among them. There are countries that are supportive, like Germany, but there are countries that are opposed, like Hungary. Therefore, only a consensus signal can be positively received by all leaders,” the head of Kiev said.

According to Mr. Zelensky, the current US administration can send such a signal, but this requires political will.

“I personally do not see and most NATO countries do not see any risks from the recommendations regarding the positive future of Ukraine's NATO membership,” Zelensky said, commenting on the upcoming meeting of NATO foreign ministers, which will be held today (December 3).

The Ukrainian president also rejected the possibility of a freeze on the conflict. Also on December 2, in an interview with Kyodo news agency, Mr. Zelensky complained about the lack of strength of the Ukrainian army and insufficient military support from partners, despite receiving billions of dollars.

Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa said the EU promised to allocate an additional 4.2 billion euros to Kiev in December. In addition, starting next month, the EU plans to provide 1.5 billion euros per month in support to Kiev for one year.

António Costa added that the EU intends to borrow this money from the income from frozen Russian assets. According to him, Kiev will be able to use this money for military purposes.