Zelenskyy angered as “certain wording” at NATO Vilnius Summit “being discussed without Ukraine”

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday expressed his concerns and disagreement following the “received signals” that “certain wording is being discussed without Ukraine” at the ongoing NATO Vilnius Summit, adding “this wording is about the invitation to become NATO member, not about Ukraine’s membership”. 

“We value our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate an open conversation. Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius. Because it is about respect. But Ukraine also deserves respect”, Zelenskyy tweeted before his arrival at the summit during the day. 

He stressed “It is unprecedented and absurd” that the time frame was not set neither for the invitation nor for Ukraine’s NATO membership, while a “vague wording” about “conditions” had been added. 

“It seems there is no readiness neither to invite Ukraine to NATO nor to make it a member of the Alliance. This means that a window of opportunity is being left to bargain Ukraine’s membership in NATO in negotiations with Russia. And for Russia, this means motivation to continue its terror. Uncertainty is weakness. And I will openly discuss this at the summit”, Zelenskyy said.