Zelensky says he understands Ukraine likely won't join NATO anytime soon

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
(Image credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday said it is "clear that Ukraine is not a member of NATO," a fact that "must be acknowledged."

Zelensky made his remarks while virtually addressing leaders of the U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force initiative. "For years we have been hearing about how the door is supposedly open [to NATO membership], but now we hear that we cannot enter," Zelensky said, adding that he is "glad that our people are beginning to understand this and rely on themselves and on our partners who assist us."

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Catherine Garcia, The Week US

Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.