A Compromise for Peace: Ukraine Shifts from NATO Aspiration

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced a shift in the country's ambition by foregoing NATO membership in favor of bilateral security guarantees from Western allies, marking a potential step towards concluding the ongoing war with Russia. Talks involve U.S. envoys and European partners in Berlin.

In a significant policy shift, Ukraine has decided to abandon its NATO membership aspirations in exchange for security guarantees from Western allies. This decision, announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aims to pave the way for peace negotiations with Russia, which has long opposed Ukraine's NATO ambitions.

The move comes ahead of crucial discussions with U.S. and European representatives in Berlin. Zelenskiy emphasized that the security guarantees from countries such as the U.S., Canada, and Japan, would offer protection similar to NATO's Article 5.

While U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are involved in the diplomatic talks, Ukraine remains firm against ceding territory to Russia, amidst ongoing tensions and persistent strikes impacting energy and infrastructure across the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)