"Zelensky announced 28 security agreements, stating, 'We will build NATO in Ukraine.'"

"We will build NATO in Ukraine": Zelensky announced 28 security agreements

Ukraine has already signed 28 bilateral security agreements with its partners, outlining clear defense, political, and financial commitments. These agreements primarily help prevent the escalation of the war in Ukraine.

This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the "Support Ukraine" meeting held in Kyiv on February 24, which involved several foreign leaders.

Zelensky asserted that NATO is the simplest, most cost-effective, and reliable way to ensure peace in Europe.

"Ukraine and many around the world assert that NATO is the simplest, cheapest, and most reliable way to guarantee peace in Europe, and this is indeed true. It is a ready-made and effective security guarantee system that has been operational for decades and has prevented the outbreak of war even in areas where there are borders between NATO and Russia, and that is a long border," Zelensky stated.

He emphasized that Ukraine deserves not only EU membership but also the security guarantees provided by NATO. Zelensky mentioned that if NATO membership remains closed to Ukraine in the future, our country will have no choice but to build NATO in Ukraine, meaning ensuring such funding, such contingents, and such defense production that will guarantee peace.

"Can we do this ourselves? No. And I am grateful to all of you, I appreciate the partners who are ready to help. Security guarantees are the key to peace, and the more reliable they are, the longer peace will be preserved," the Ukrainian president underscored.

Zelensky reported that Ukraine has already signed 28 bilateral security agreements with partners.

"We already have 28 bilateral security agreements with partners. And almost with everyone participating in today's meeting. These are very clear commitments that strengthen Ukraine and your countries. These are defense, financial, and political matters that primarily work to prevent the escalation of this war. We need to increase what we have agreed upon with you on a bilateral basis. More interaction, more defense production, more financial stability, more technological advancements that directly protect people's lives, developing Ukrainian air defense. We are creating the foundation for a new European air shield. Every commitment to air defense is critically important. Based on this initial foundation, we must together create an effective and adequate security guarantee system for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and all of Europe," Zelensky said.