Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concern in a recent NBC News interview that Russian president Vladimir Putin plans to extend the conflict’s scope to North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries. Zelensky said that Putin was waiting for a “weakening’ of the alliance military, particularly given possible shifts in U.S. backing.
Zelensky also suggested that the U.S. withdrawing from NATO might lead to Russian “occupation” in Europe. He emphasized how important European security is.
What It Means
A potential shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine is important, especially with regards to its relationship with NATO. This is due to the current Russia-Ukraine conflict. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could have a significant impact on the U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine, particularly in relation to its relationship with NATO.
Biden administration has stated that NATO membership is unlikely for Ukraine citing U.S. border and security protection over NATO’s commitment to Europe.
Concerns have grown since the February 2022 invasion that Russia could expand its military operation beyond Ukraine.
Learn What To Do
During an interview on NBC News Meet the PressZelensky warned that Putin could expand his war against NATO members. In the interview, Ukraine continues to push for NATO Membership.
Zelensky said that Putin could initiate action from Belarusian soil, saying, “We are sure that he’s preparing actions on Belarusian terrain this year.” The action could take place in the summer. It will be prepared, I do not know the date.
Putin is believed to be planning a war on NATO, and he has said that there are dangers that it could happen in Poland and Lithuania.
Belarus is an ally close to Russia and Lithuania shares its borders with Poland.
NATO Article 5 makes it clear that an assault on any member of NATO is considered an act against them all and triggers a response collective.
Zelensky says that Putin expects “a weakening of NATO”, partly because the U.S. may change its stance. Further, he said, “I believe the Biden Administration won’t remove their contingents in Europe as that would severely weaken NATO across the European continent. Putin is counting on this.”
Before his speech, President Obama discussed the importance to return to territories that were acquired before 2014. He also stated, “There will be no U.S. forces deployed in Ukraine.”
Zelensky provided intelligence indicating a possible “invasion of former Soviet Republics and please forgive me, but these countries are NATO today.”
Zelensky replied, “We have no intelligence. But we do have documents showing that a number of trained soldiers are being sent to Belarus to prepare a mission.” “We are only sharing the fact that the risk is high that President Putin can attack NATO countries. Maybe not, God bless you, but maybe, before that happens, Biden and his allies stop him.”
Also, he warned that an American withdrawal from NATO will create “100%” of the risk for Russia to take over Europe.
Expert Comments
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, said on Russian state TV: Ukraine, in one way or another will take part in these negotiations, he said, pointing out that the dialogue would have a Russian-American bilateral track and also a Ukrainian track.
Jack Keane retired U.S. Army Gen. Jack Keane comments on Fox News He has everything on the line. He has a strategic failure here…The reality is his presidency is at stake. And I think also his personal life is at stake if all of this blows up on him…He’ll wait out President Biden, I suspect, and attack.”
The former President Donald Trump published a message on Truth Social after he spoke with Putin. “As we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine…We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations. “We have agreed that our teams should begin negotiating immediately.”
What happens next?
Sources say that the U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken will meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia for peace talks on Ukraine.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has called a Monday emergency meeting for European leaders in response to the current situation. This will address Ukraine and its role, as well as the U.S. The Guardian. This meeting is intended to strengthen a united European strategy, in view of possible shifts in U.S. foreign policy as well as the continuing threat from Russia.