Zelenskyy: US Endorsement Needed for Germany to Support Ukraine’s NATO Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is optimistic that allies will adopt a more favorable stance on his “victory plan” following the U.S. elections.

However, he acknowledges that its key demand—an invitation to join NATO—is not welcomed by some major Western partners, particularly Germany.

Zelenskyy noted that Russia is also likely monitoring the post-election scenario in the U.S. to evaluate the potential for cease-fire talks with Ukraine.

He suggested that if partial cease-fire agreements could be reached regarding attacks on energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping routes, it might indicate the end of the “hot phase” of the war.

Zelenskyy spoke to journalists on Monday, although his comments were embargoed until Tuesday. He mentioned that while the U.S. is analyzing his plan, he does not expect a significant response until after the November 5 election.

“They said, yes, we’ve started working on the Victory Plan, they want to analyze everything, and so on. But it’s very clear to me that all the major partners, especially during the election period, will be afraid of Russia’s reaction,” he said. “Because they understand that with this package, we can destroy them.”

Regarding NATO, Zelenskyy stated that France, Britain, and Italy have expressed signs of support. However, he noted that Germany has reservations and believes that only a U.S. endorsement will persuade Berlin to accept the idea.

“But the fact is that the German side is skeptical about our NATO membership — that’s a fact. I believe their stance is softer than it was before — this is also a fact.

“But when it comes to the invitation I’m talking about now, they are afraid of … Russia’s reaction,” he said.

“I believe that their position will be influenced by a bigger alliance. A bigger alliance in supporting us — a confident “Yes” from the United States.”

The president indicated that many important issues will depend on the decisions made after the contentious election period.

“After the elections, we hope for a more positive reaction from the U.S. — not because of a change in the president, but because the focus of the United States is now on the elections, and I believe that any sharp statements from the U.S. today might be inappropriate or carry risks. I think they don’t want unnecessary risks,” he said.

When asked if he felt pressure from allies to end the war, Zelenskyy joked, “Over the years, people’s overall blood pressure rises.”

He also dismissed reports suggesting a potential cease-fire scenario in which Ukraine would exchange occupied territories for NATO membership.

“We are not discussing this. But I think that these media leaks are not accidental. Perhaps some partners may have such thoughts. They don’t communicate this directly with me, but through the media, it’s clear they’re testing its reception.”

He stated that the end of the “hot phase” of the war would begin if a deal could be reached with Russia to stop attacks on energy infrastructure and Black Sea ports and shipping routes. In such a scenario, he noted, attacks on military targets and front-line fighting would still continue.

Zelenskyy expressed his intention to persuade countries in the Global South to support Ukraine’s plan as a means to pressure Moscow into agreeing to Kyiv’s terms.

Additionally, he emphasized that Ukraine is not seeking nuclear weapons to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We are not asking to be given or returned nuclear weapons.

My position is very clear. We gave them up, but we got nothing in return. And we only received a full-scale war and many casualties, so today we have only one way out. That’s why we need NATO, because we don’t have the weapons that can stop Putin.”