Zelensky stated that if NATO does not accept Ukraine, we will require nuclear guarantees.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed the view that if the United States declines to support Ukraine's NATO membership, an alternative of providing the country with nuclear security guarantees should be considered. This was reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

He noted that the process of joining NATO could take many years or even decades, and in that case, a pertinent question arises: who will protect the country from the Russian threat during this period?

"What kind of support package, what missiles? Will they give us nuclear weapons? Then let them provide us with nuclear weapons," the head of state stated.

Zelensky emphasized that while the West may supply Ukraine with missiles to deter Russia, there are doubts about whether they can stop Russia's nuclear missiles - this, he said, is a rhetorical question.

"So let's do this: return our nuclear weapons; give us missile systems; partners, help us finance a million-strong army, deploy your contingents in those parts of our country where we want stability, so that people can feel secure," Zelensky added.

The President also mentioned that if Russia's fears about Ukraine's NATO membership are the main motive for the invasion, then if Ukraine does not join the Alliance, Putin should completely withdraw his troops from Ukrainian territory.

"He (Putin, - ed.) invaded because he feared we would become NATO members. Fine, we are not NATO members. Get off our land," he stated.

Recall that Volodymyr Zelensky said that elections in Ukraine are possible after the war ends and the state of martial law is lifted. He emphasized the importance of democratic processes, but noted that this should occur under secure conditions to avoid the threat of renewed Russian invasion.