Ukraine today applies for NATO membership in an accelerated manner

This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky after today's meeting of the National Security and Defense Council.

De facto, we have already passed our way to NATO. De facto, we have already proven compatibility with the standards of the North Atlantic Alliance. They are real for Ukraine - real on the battlefield and in all aspects of our interaction. We trust each other, we help each other, and we protect each other. This is the alliance, - the President said.

In his address, the president also stated that Ukraine is ready for dialogue with Russia, but with another Russian president, not with Putin.

Ukraine has been and remains a leader in negotiating efforts. It is our state that has always offered Russia to agree on coexistence on equal, honest, worthy and fair terms. Obviously, with this Russian president (Putin – ed.) it is impossible,” Zelensky said.