Volodymyr Zelensky: "Ukraine practically has the second strongest army in NATO"

In a meeting with the press, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has proven it can withstand Russian aggression, stating that "NATO needs us." This recognition is supported by all NATO heads of state, in the context where the Ukrainian army has managed to resist the Russian forces, considered the second strongest army in the world.

Although Ukraine is not a NATO member, Moscow aims to prevent Kyiv's accession to the Western military alliance. Discussions about Ukraine's accession have been suspended following U.S. mediation efforts. Zelensky stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin wishes to restore the Soviet Union, but this is not possible without Ukraine. Additionally, he rejected the conditions imposed by Russia regarding Ukraine's NATO membership, emphasizing that the decision must be made by NATO countries, not by Russia.