Ukraine’s NATO bid is major leverage point for West in negotiations with Russia — Radio Liberty

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Frankly speaking, we shouldn't take all the information presented in the media about negotiations with Russia too seriously right now. Nor should we pay much attention to politicians' statements. At the moment, the negotiation process is still in the development stage. We know that Ukraine is ready to accept the U.S. proposal regarding control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The same goes for NATO. President Zelenskyy has stated that the issue of Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance should be decided by NATO members, not based on Russian demands," Khotyn believes.

According to the journalist, the issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO could be better used in negotiations with Russia to influence the conditions for ending the war.

"It seems to me that Ukraine is 'selling' its non-accession to NATO far too cheaply. This is a very serious trump card in the hands of Kyiv and the West to be bartered away so easily. If Russia is so afraid of Ukraine’s NATO membership, then it is already a strong bargaining chip in the negotiations, and I believe Kyiv could be using this issue more effectively in the talks," he added.

• On Friday, April 18, U.S. President Donald Trump made it clear that he may withdraw from efforts to bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine if there is no rapid progress in the negotiations. 
• On April 21, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States is waiting for Ukraine's response to Trump's peace plan. The plan provides for the recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, the declaration of the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as neutral territory, and the removal of Ukraine from the list of potential NATO candidates.