Ukraine Offers Major Concession: May Drop NATO Bid for Security Pact

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled a major potential shift in the country's foreign policy. Ahead of critical talks in Berlin, he stated Ukraine might abandon its goal of joining NATO. In return, Kyiv would require a powerful, alternative security agreement. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine still needs iron-clad protection guarantees from the United States and European allies. This move is seen as a significant concession to ease tensions with Russia. The Kremlin has long cited NATO's eastward expansion as a primary security threat. The proposed security pact would be designed to ensure Ukraine's defense independently of NATO membership. The details of such an agreement are expected to be a central topic at the upcoming Berlin negotiations.