President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a meeting with the heads of government of the Nordic Council in Iceland on Monday, October 28, reiterated the significance of inviting Ukraine to NATO.
In his speech in Reykjavik, Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv does not anticipate joining the North Atlantic Alliance during Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, but expects an invitation to membership "as a symbolic gesture" from NATO member countries.
The Ukrainian president urged the heads of government of the Nordic Council, which includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, to also exert pressure on Germany: "Please work with partners across Europe – especially in Berlin, so we can achieve this geopolitical clarity together."
According to him, he is looking forward to a "political decision that will provide geopolitical clarity for Ukraine and all of Europe and strengthen us in diplomacy with Russia."
"If Ukraine receives an invitation to join NATO, it will serve as an insurmountable defense against Russia's imperial ambitions," Zelensky stressed.
Previously, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected Zelensky's request for an immediate invitation for Ukraine to NATO. Scholz mentioned this in an interview with ZDF on October 24. The Chancellor reminded that NATO countries have "outlined the prospects" for Ukraine.
"I believe there is currently no need for a new decision," Scholz stated.
According to the Chancellor, it is important to make clear that "a country that is at war cannot become a member of NATO."
"Everyone knows this; there are no disagreements on this matter," he added.
At present, an invitation for Ukraine to NATO is not anticipated, as invitations to the Alliance "are usually quite quickly associated with membership," Scholz concluded.