Ukraine may renounce NATO membership to avoid war with Russia, Ukrainian ambassador to Britain says. This was reported by Reuters. That would be a big concession to Moscow, which continues to amass troops along the border.
Ambassador Vadim Pristayko said Ukraine was ready to show flexibility in joining NATO, but such an act, according to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, would ignite war.
Pristayko added that Ukraine could withdraw from NATO membership, especially if pressure and blackmail continued to make that decision.
Ukraine is not a member of NATO, but since 2008 there has been a promise that one day it will be able to join. That would take the US-led Alliance to the Russian border.
Green invited Biden to Kiev
Initiative of Ukraine
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Putin said tightening ties between Ukraine and the West could make Ukraine a starting point for NATO missiles aimed at Russia. He added that Russia must draw red lines to prevent this from happening.
Russia has amassed about 100,000 people and heavy weapons at the border in recent weeks. The United States and NATO warn that an invasion could begin at any moment.
Russia denies planning an attack. Justifies the accumulated troops with military exercises. Russia is demanding written confirmation that NATO will not expand its eastern flank. The alliance flatly rejected these demands.
The White House announced that Joe Biden had a conversation with Vladimir Zelensky on Sunday. The two agreed to continue efforts to resolve the crisis diplomatically.
