Zelensky: No Need to Amend Ukraine's Constitution Regarding NATO Membership

Zelensky confirms no need to amend Ukraine's constitution regarding NATO membership despite offering to abandon membership for security guarantees.

SUMMARY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces that he does not see the necessity to amend Ukraine's constitution related to joining NATO, despite previously offering to abandon this ambition in exchange for strong security guarantees, emphasizing that the Ukrainian people decide the future of their constitution.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Zelensky sees no need to amend Ukraine's constitution regarding NATO membership.
Offered to abandon NATO membership in exchange for bilateral security guarantees.
Emphasized that the Ukrainian people decide on constitutional amendments.
Security guarantees from allies will be a key part of any future peace agreement.

CORE SUBJECT

Ukraine's stance on constitutional amendment and NATO membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he does not see a need to amend his country's constitution, which states its goal of becoming a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, just days after he proposed abandoning this ambition in exchange for strong security guarantees.

Preventing Ukraine's accession to the military alliance has long been a key demand by Russia to end its ongoing war against its neighbor for nearly four years.

Zelensky said on Sunday that Ukraine might give up NATO membership if it received bilateral security guarantees providing protection similar to that stipulated in Article 5 of the alliance's treaty, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all.

When asked about this by a journalist today, Zelensky said, "Honestly, I do not think we need to amend our country's constitution," adding that the Ukrainian people are the ones who should make decisions regarding their constitution.

He continued, "Certainly not because of calls from the Russian Federation or any other party."

Zelensky has long emphasized that security guarantees supported by Ukraine's allies, including the United States, will be a fundamental part of any planned peace agreement aimed at deterring Russia from launching any future attacks.

KEYWORDS

Zelensky Ukraine NATO constitution security guarantees Russia North Atlantic Treaty Organization

MENTIONED ENTITIES 4

Volodymyr Zelensky

👤 Person_Male

President of Ukraine

Russia

📍 Location_Country

Neighboring country waging war against Ukraine

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

🏛️ Organization

International military alliance

United States

📍 Location_Country

Ally of Ukraine supporting security guarantees

NOTABLE QUOTES 2

"Honestly, I do not think we need to amend our country's constitution"

— Volodymyr Zelensky 2025-12-18 neutral

Context: Responding to a journalist's question about amending Ukraine's constitution regarding NATO membership

"Certainly not because of calls from the Russian Federation or any other party"