First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsya Photo: Getty Images
Any decision on Ukraine’s security that does not include NATO membership is a surrogate and does not guarantee sustainable peace. This was emphasised by First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya in a podcast by Nataliya Moseychuk.
“You are giving an ersatz solution instead of having a real one that guarantees you sustainable security,” Kyslytsia commented on the suggestion of a possible compromise without membership in the Alliance.
He stressed that even though NATO is imperfect, Ukraine’s membership in the pan-European security system is a prerequisite for stability across the continent.
“In one way or another, we have to be there. This is recognised by the Europeans themselves,” the diplomat added.
Kyslytsia also reminded that the course towards NATO is enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine and reflects the will of the majority of citizens. According to him, it is impossible to give up this position.
“I don’t believe in promises on paper – to join or not to join NATO. This is not serious,” he concluded.
Kyslytsia’s statement came amid growing discussions about the potential terms of a peaceful settlement and the future security architecture of Europe after the war.
