Zelensky responded to Trump's statement about Ukraine's NATO membership.

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the statement made by newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Ukraine's NATO membership.

Zelensky made this remark during a meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, writes Ukrinform.

"Do you remember when it was said that Patriot systems could only be found in NATO countries? Either we are already in NATO, or we shouldn't jump to conclusions too quickly," he stated.

The president reminded that a similar situation occurred with the Patriot systems, missile systems, and other NATO-standard weapons.

"We need to work hard to ensure that Ukraine receives security guarantees worthy of our people that could stop Putin. We will focus on this," he emphasized.

According to Zelensky, one of the reasons for the war is that Ukraine is not a NATO member and lacks concrete security guarantees.

"I must be honest, unfortunately, despite all respect for every European country and the United States, and all appreciation for the volume of aid provided to us since the beginning of the war, there has not been unified support from the United States and all its allies in Europe regarding Ukraine's NATO membership," he candidly admitted.

The president reminded that there are countries that opposed Ukraine's NATO membership.

"These included America, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. That's a fact. If we are speaking openly, we must acknowledge and say honestly — we were not seen there. I believe this is one of the reasons why we are at war," the head of state stated.

In Zelensky's view, Kremlin leader Putin understood that no one would come to Ukraine's defense.

"Putin's army is larger, and he thought he could destroy us. But the Ukrainian army is made up of strong people. Our nation has astonished the whole world," Zelensky shared.

He stressed that today Ukraine has the right to demand serious, strong security guarantees.

"I have discussed this with three U.S. presidents. I spoke about it with President Trump, then with President Biden, and now again with President Trump. I constantly raised the issue of security guarantees," the president stated.

Zelensky also added that until Ukraine is provided with substantial security guarantees, it is futile to hope for the return of Ukrainians from Europe.

"It is possible to say in Europe that we would like Ukrainians to return, while not supporting security guarantees for Ukraine. That doesn't quite add up, at least in my mind. I believe every Ukrainian wanting to return should have security guarantees for their family. ...We want concrete security guarantees, and we are asking for this from our allies in America and Europe. I will discuss this with the U.S. president. Do not jump to conclusions too quickly," he concluded.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that elected U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he understands Russia's feelings regarding NATO expansion and the potential accession of Ukraine to the alliance, and also expressed hope to meet with Putin and achieve a ceasefire within six months.