Ukraine needs security guarantees, not promises, — Zelenskyy

Today marks exactly 30 years since the Budapest Memorandum was signed. However, this document did not work as Ukraine had hoped, and instead Russia broke all its promises.

This was stated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, December 5.

Ukraine needs security guarantees

According to the Head of State, during ten years of the war in Ukraine, the Budapest Memorandum did not work for a single day. According to Zelenskyy, it is not promises that are important, but guarantees in the issue of security.

"Because of this, everyone in the world will now know that just a signature from any state, some assurances or promises for security are not enough. Effective guarantees are needed. That is, a real alliance and a realistic security foundation within the country," the President said.

According to Zelenskyy, one of the methods of such guarantees could be weapons. He is convinced that this will allow us to defend ourselves and deter the enemy.

"And unity, which helps to endure even in the most difficult moments. We are working on each of the elements of security. Thanks to everyone who helps! Thanks to all our people who provide all of this," Zelenskyy said.

It should be recalled that in 1994, a historic event took place in Budapest. Ukraine, the UK, Russia and the United States signed the Budapest Memorandum. It was supposed to guarantee the country's security in exchange for abandoning nuclear weapons, but the Russian Federation's promises disappeared without a trace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Ukraine does not agree to any alternatives of full membership in NATO. The corresponding statement was made public on the eve of the 30th anniversary of signing the Budapest Memorandum.