Ukraine submits application for fast track accession to NATO - Zelenskyy

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an address following the results of the meeting of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. 

"De facto, we have already made our way to NATO. De facto, we have already proven compatibility with the Alliance's standards. They are real for Ukraine - real on the battlefield and in all aspects of our interaction. We trust each other, we help each other, and  we protect each other. This is what the Alliance is all about. De facto. Today, Ukraine is applying to make it de jure. In a process that is consistent with our value in protecting our entire community. In an expedited manner. We are taking our decisive step by signing Ukraine's application for accelerated accession to NATO," he said.

Zelenskyy emphasized that such a path is possible, citing the example of Finland and Sweden, which started joining the Alliance without a Membership Action Plan. And he added that it is fair.

"It is also fair for Ukraine. This is the consolidation at the level of the contract of what has already been achieved in life and what are our values. We understand that this requires the consensus of all members of the Alliance. We understand that it is necessary to reach such a consensus. And therefore, while  this will happen, we propose to implement our proposals regarding security guarantees for Ukraine and the whole of Europe in accordance with the Kyiv Security Compact developed and presented to our partners," Zelenskyy said.