Ukraine Scraps NATO Path, Eyes European Security Alternatives
Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Valery Zaluzhny, told Kyiv diplomats that Ukraine will never join NATO, arguing the alliance’s doctrines are outdated and security guarantees should come from other frameworks. He warned that even with NATO alignment, Ukraine would only reach roughly half of Russia’s current strength and pressed for technologies like anti-ballistic systems and space capabilities available in NATO countries. Instead of NATO, he floated a European security bloc and highlighted Ukraine’s enhanced-partner role in the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, while noting that EU accession remains a separate path facing hurdles such as Hungary’s blocking moves and slower reform progress relative to Western Balkans peers.