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The failure of Ukraine would lead the US to choose between war or “the collapse of NATO”, according to the president
June 16 () –
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky assured this Thursday that the success of the Ukrainian Army’s counteroffensive would lead Russia to defeat in the war, as he declared during an interview with the US network NCB News.
Zelenski has explained that, despite the “hard resistance”, the news about the Ukrainian troops at the front “are generally positive”.
In addition, he has criticized both former President Donald Trump and the governor of the state of Florida (United States), Ron DeSantis, both candidates for the Republican primaries, for questioning the military support that the United States offers Ukraine.
“Are you ready to start a war and send your children? Are you ready to die? If Russia occupies the Ukraine, they will go after the Baltics, Poland, any NATO country, and in that particular case, the United States will have to choose between dismantling NATO or fighting,” Zelensky said.
ACCESS TO NATO
The Ukrainian president has stated that, despite being aware that his country will not be a member of NATO in the short term, they need “an invitation” to ensure Ukraine’s entry into the Atlantic Alliance after the end of the war.
“It must be clear that after this war, if we are ready and if the Ukrainian Army is ready for NATO standards, (…) we will be invited to join. It is very important to listen to the truth and not to be told lies “, has added.
PILOT TRAINING
Although NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has confirmed the start of training Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets, he has also opined that this is not “a quick fix”.
“I understand that there is bureaucracy. But we are losing time, we are losing people and, most importantly, we are losing our advantage. (…) Russia is controlling the air. Ukraine wants to be able to compete in the air, let’s do it today. (.. .) It is not Ukraine against Russia, Russia is fighting against the civilized world,” Zelensky said.
