What's happened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for increased military support from NATO allies and emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing war with Russia. He highlighted the significant casualties on both sides and discussed the potential deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine until NATO membership is achieved.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's military is currently unable to liberate certain territories occupied by Russia, indicating a potential willingness to negotiate territorial concessions in exchange for NATO membership. The Independent highlights the criticism of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for not providing long-range missiles to Ukraine, which could enhance its military capabilities. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged member states to increase military support to ensure Ukraine is in a strong position for future negotiations, emphasizing that discussions about peace should not overshadow the need for military readiness.
How we got here
The conflict in Ukraine has persisted for nearly three years, following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukraine has sought NATO membership as a means of securing its sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst ongoing aggression from Russia.
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