Presidential Statements on Crimea and NATO

During a press conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to inquiries about information from The Wall Street Journal, which discusses the possibility of recognizing Crimea as Russian, the refusal to join NATO, and establishing a neutral zone around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under US control.

Source: press conference broadcasted by "Suspilne".

Direct quote: "When we discuss Crimea, we effectively fall into the trap of prolonging the war, which is precisely what Russia wants. We have been at war for 12 years. This is the answer to whether an agreement can be reached with Russia concerning territories."

Zelensky noted that the information about proposals to recognize Crimea as Russian are merely signals and not an official offer to Ukraine.

The President emphasized that Ukraine will never legally recognize Crimea as Russian, as it contradicts the Constitution. "This is our land; we have stated this before, and the Constitution of Ukraine affirms this."

He also added that on April 23, the Ukrainian delegation will discuss the possibility of a ceasefire.

"We are ready for this stage to avoid a deadlock," he stated.

Regarding NATO, Zelensky is confident that there is dialogue between the US and Russia concerning Ukraine's NATO membership.

However, "only NATO countries have the right to decide on Ukraine's admission to the Alliance," he stressed.

Concerning the Zaporizhzhia NPP, he stated that the plant will not operate without Ukraine, and US technical staff will be necessary.

Direct quote: "If we restore the NPP together with the US when the Russians leave, and we earn money from electricity, that would be a normal scenario. However, no official proposals regarding the NPP have been made. Ukraine is open to partnership with America for the restoration of any facility."

Reminder: The Wall Street Journal reported that the USA is awaiting a response from Kyiv regarding the recognition of Crimea as Russian and the refusal of NATO membership.