Ukraine requests fast-track NATO entry

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday his country was formally applying for fast-track membership of NATO after Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed decrees to annex four regions of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Photo: EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Speaking in a video posted on social media, Zelensky said Kyiv was ready for talks with Moscow, but not with Putin, the Reuters news agency reported.

Volodymyr @ZelenskyyUa addressed the people following the meeting of the National Security and Defense Council

Zelenskyy noted that he does not rule out negotiations with #Russia, but only with another president: #Putin does not know what conscience and honor are. pic.twitter.com/M19ikCItGS

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 30, 2022

"We are taking our decisive step by signing Ukraine's application for accelerated accession to NATO," Zelensky said in his message.

"Ukraine is ready for negotiations, but with a different Russian president," he added, as quoted by Reuters.

Putin claims Russia ready for talks, while “annexed” areas not to be discussed https://t.co/CfxOrSb5J1 #stoprussia

— Ukrinform-EN (@Ukrinform_News) September 30, 2022

Putin on Friday signed documents to incorporate Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions into Russia in a televised ceremony at the Kremlin, news agencies reported.

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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters