Zelensky outlined the steps Ukraine must take if it is not accepted into NATO.

The new U.S. administration and President Donald Trump oppose Ukraine's accession to NATO, believing that the desire of Ukrainians to join the Alliance constitutes an escalation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during a press conference in Munich.

He added that this information is publicly available, and the U.S. does not hide its position.

"They believe that NATO in the Constitution is the main factor of Ukraine's occupation," the president said.

He further explained that Ukraine's intention to join the bloc is not driven by the term "NATO," but rather by security guarantees.

"I speak pragmatically: I believe this is the cheapest option for everyone," the president commented.

Zelensky clarified that as long as Ukraine is not in NATO, it must be able to defend itself alongside Europe. This requires appropriate NATO weapons and a sufficient number of Ukrainian military personnel.

"This will be an army of 1.5 million. Currently, our army, which is not half the size of 1.5 million, has combat brigades that are about half that size. They have 220, while we have 110 combat brigades today. This means we need 220. If a $40 billion subsidy is currently in our budget, and you need to increase it by at least one and a half times – to $60 billion annually," Zelensky said.

The issue also lies in the configuration of security guarantees. There are already developments regarding the deployment of military contingents – this information is classified. Ukraine is prepared for the peacekeeping contingent to consist solely of Ukrainian citizens, but the question remains as to how they will be armed.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with the Commander-in-Chief and the Commander of the Air Forces the Russian drone strike on the Chernobyl sarcophagus. It is known that the drone flew at an altitude of 85 meters: radars do not detect such heights.