Zelensky Office chief of staff hopes for Ukraine's entry into NATO, says Kiev can't be forced into talks

MOSCOW. May 26 (Interfax) - A combination of Kiev Security Compact and obligations of the kind given by the United States to Israel would be an ideal form of security guarantee for Ukraine, Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak said in an interview with the Ukrainian media.

"Speaking of security guarantees, an ideal form for us would now be a combination of Kiev Security Compact and obligations of the kind given by the United States to Israel. I mean the best of both concepts. Secondly, a lack of alternative to our advancement towards NATO membership should be formalized one way or another, and security guarantees should be provided before accession to the alliance," Yermak said.

"Kiev Security Compact envisages a multilateral framework agreement with an option of bilateral agreements," Yermak said. Ukraine's expectations "should not be bigger than, so to say, guarantees under the Washington Treaty," he added.

"As adequate people, we realize that, of course, Ukraine will become a full-fledged member of NATO when that is allowed by the security situation. Our aspirations are clear. Firstly, an invitation to become a NATO member when the security situation allows that to happen. Secondly, security guarantees on the way to NATO," Yermak said.

He opposed attempts at brokering relations with Russia.

"There is no force to make the Ukrainian leadership and society talk with the Russians" as long as status quo persists in Ukraine, Yermak said adding that he had explained that to the Chinese and Brazilian envoys.

"Anyone who thinks there is something that can force us into talks with Russia under the current circumstances is deeply mistaken," he said.

"There was a rather frank conversation" with representatives of the leaders of Brazil and China, Yermak said.

"I honestly told them both that Ukraine appreciated their wish to participate, their reaction. However, Ukraine has a peace plan of its own, and we think that the settlement should be based on the Ukrainian plan. President Vladimir Zelensky has clearly stated that Ukraine is ready to hear them out and listen to them, which is why we have invited them to the peace summit," he said.

"Another stand of ours conveyed to the representatives of China and Brazil is that we are against mediation. All of us remember the Normandy format. [...] None of that works," Yermak said.

"There will be no territorial compromises here. It was very important to tell the special representatives so. We can discuss anything else," he said.