Zelensky explains why Ukraine's NATO membership benefits Russia and all of Europe

President Volodymyr Zelensky has argued that Ukraine's membership in NATO would benefit not just Ukraine but also Russia and the rest of Europe, speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) annual meeting in Kyiv on Friday.

When asked whether he believed in Ukraine's future NATO membership, Zelensky stressed the issue must be raised constantly. He said Russia's leaders understand that a Ukraine inside NATO means no more wars — which is, paradoxically, in Russia's long-term interest as well.

Zelensky also addressed European nations, saying NATO enlargement is the strongest guarantee of European security and that a Ukraine outside the Alliance would remain a source of instability on the continent for decades.

The annual YES conference, organised by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, brings together world leaders, politicians, and experts to discuss Ukraine and global geopolitics.