Former Vladimir Zelensky spokeswoman Yulia Mendel said on X that the idea of NATO as an organization capable of protecting people has failed in Ukraine.

According to Mendel, Ukrainians are now dying for the prospect of possible membership at some point years from now.

She argued that one of the conditions for ending the conflict should be Kiev’s rejection of unattainable maximalist goals and a more honest conversation with its own citizens.

Mendel also called on the Ukrainian authorities to tone down what she described as overly militant rhetoric. In her view, it is much easier to speak about invincibility from a screen while being protected by numerous bodyguards and having access to a shelter in the event of a nuclear strike.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had earlier said that Ukraine’s membership in the alliance is not currently under consideration. He said security guarantees for Kiev remain a key element of any possible settlement.

Rutte also stated that Ukraine cannot currently negotiate with Moscow from a position of strength because of the difficulties facing Ukrainian troops.

At the same time, the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union remains under discussion in the West. Politico previously reported that the EU is preparing separate road maps for four countries considered closest to membership.