Zelensky plans to call Biden to discuss Ukraine's NATO invitation

He told this to reporters following a meeting with German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz in Kyiv on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"As for the NATO invitation, it's still difficult to discuss it with President Trump at this point, because he is not yet in the White House and does not have the legal authority to make decisions. By the way, I am planning to call President Biden soon, if he is available, and raise the issue of the invitation to NATO, as his position is crucial given that he is the current U.S. president. There is no point in discussing matters with President Trump that are beyond his control while he is not yet in the White House," Zelensky said.

He also thanked the U.S. for its latest security assistance package to Ukraine.

"This is significant support, and it means a lot to us. We also discussed the possibility of a pause -- a situation where Ukraine is not yet in NATO, or even if we receive an invitation. What would happen during that time? Who will guarantee our security? And I will be honest with you: we need to consider and work on [French President] Emmanuel [Macron's] position. Do you remember his proposal about having troops from a certain country present in some Ukrainian territories to ensure our security while Ukraine is not in NATO? But before that, we must have a clear understanding of when Ukraine will join the EU and when it will become part of NATO," Zelensky added.