V. Zalužnas, a very popular former chief commander, whom Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed in 2024, made this statement at a Kyiv ambassadors’ meeting on Monday, reports the news portal “Europejska prawda”.
“I know NATO very well. I personally worked for about 12 years mastering NATO standards and every year I heard the same story that we will join soon,” V. Zalužnas is quoted as saying.
“Unfortunately, we will never do that,” added V. Zalužnas, who currently serves as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK).
He stated that “given the current level of development of the Ukrainian armed forces,” it is impossible for Ukraine to join the Alliance, which, according to V. Zalužnas, “adheres to doctrines originating from World War II.”
Ukraine is proud of its military industry progress, especially in drone technology, which it has been intensively developing since Russia invaded four and a half years ago.
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Last month, in an opinion article published in the British newspaper “The Daily Telegraph,” V. Zalužnas stated that the war in Ukraine “raised uncomfortable questions about whether NATO is prepared for 21st-century conflicts.”
“Ukraine has every reason to appreciate the support provided and continuing to be provided by NATO members. However, respect for the Alliance should not prevent an honest assessment of its shortcomings,” he wrote.
He added that “Ukraine’s ability to continue the war heavily depends on continuous support from allies.”
V. Zalužnas remains the most trusted public figure in Ukraine, supported by 73% of respondents, according to a survey conducted in June by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.
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