Zelensky: If process of joining NATO protracted, give nuclear weapons back to Ukraine

The excerpt was published on social media platform X, Ukrinform reports.

The journalist asked Zelensky if he had a plan B in case Ukraine did not join NATO, a condition allegedly put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who explained the invasion by Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

If the process of joining the Alliance is protracted for years or decades - not because of Ukraine, but because of its partners - then Ukraine will rightly ask what will protect it from this evil, what support and weapons will Ukraine receive, Zelensky said, speaking via an interpreter.

In this case, Zelensky said, the partners should provide a sufficient number of missiles and even return nuclear weapons to Ukraine, as well as help finance a million-strong army to deter Russia so that people have tranquility.

Russia must also pay financial compensation for all the damage caused to Ukraine, Zelensky added.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, after the Russian missile attack on the town of Izium, which killed five people (including a pregnant woman), President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was necessary to put pressure on Russia to stop terror and protect lives.