As Ukraine marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In a bold statement on Sunday, Zelensky declared that if Ukraine’s path to NATO membership remains blocked, the country will establish its own version of the alliance within its borders.

“NATO is the most cost-effective option for preventing another war. It is the simplest and most logical solution,” Zelensky stated. “If Ukraine does not join NATO, we will have to create NATO within Ukraine—building a strong army, financing it, producing and storing enough weapons, and working with partner states to deter further Russian aggression.”

Zelensky emphasized that joining NATO would provide Ukraine with the security guarantees it desperately needs. However, if this goal remains elusive, Ukraine is prepared to independently strengthen its defenses. “We are talking about a comprehensive system of security guarantees—military, economic, and political. We need to weigh everything—what is cheaper, what is more realistic, and what can be done faster,” he added.

The Ukrainian president even hinted at a personal sacrifice, stating, “If it means peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready… I can exchange this for NATO membership if that condition is there.”

This statement comes amid pressure from the new U.S. administration urging Kyiv to hold elections despite martial law. Zelensky’s remarks highlight the delicate balance Ukraine is trying to maintain between internal governance and securing external support.

Ukraine’s Long Road to NATO

Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO dates back to 2008, when the alliance first acknowledged that the country could eventually become a member. However, Russia has consistently opposed this move, viewing it as a direct threat to its sphere of influence. The 2022 invasion only intensified Ukraine’s push for fast-tracked membership.

Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg had previously stated that Ukraine could join the alliance “in the long term,” but only after the war concludes. Until then, Ukraine remains outside the alliance’s protective umbrella.

The Bigger Picture

Founded in 1949, NATO was established to prevent Soviet expansion in Europe. Its foundational principle is collective defense—if one member is attacked, the others must come to its aid. From its initial 12 members, NATO has expanded to include 32 countries across Europe and North America.

For Ukraine, joining NATO represents not just military security but also a political statement of its Western alignment. As the war drags on, Zelensky’s latest comments underline Ukraine’s determination to secure its future, whether inside NATO or through a homegrown alternative.

The world now watches closely as Ukraine navigates its complex path forward, balancing national security, diplomatic relations, and the ongoing fight for its sovereignty.