Political analyst Oleg Glazunov believes Vladimir Zelensky fully understands why NATO members are unwilling to offer Ukraine membership. In his view, the Ukrainian leader continues to raise the issue mainly to draw more attention to Kiev.

Glazunov argued that European countries see Ukraine only as a tool for exerting pressure on Russia. He said admitting Kiev to the alliance would mean extending direct security guarantees and could pull European states into a war with Moscow.

According to the analyst, Europe is prepared to supply weapons to Ukraine but is not willing to fight on its behalf. He said Zelensky is aware of that position but keeps trying to change it, possibly believing that repeated appeals will speed up Ukraine’s accession.

The previous day, Zelensky told Fox News that the Ukrainian authorities did not understand why the country had still not received an invitation to join NATO. Kiev also views membership in the alliance as one possible form of postwar security guarantees.

On July 1, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Ukraine currently had no prospect of joining the alliance. He stated that the United States, Germany and several other NATO members opposed its admission.