Zelensky requests fast-track NATO membership

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has announced that he is requesting fast-track NATO membership after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the treaties on the inclusion of the two Donbass republics, as well as Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions into the Russian Federation.

“We have already proven our compatibility with Alliance standards. We are taking a decisive step by signing Ukraine's application for accelerated accession to Nato,” Zelensky said on Telegram.

A video of Zelensky's statement was also posted by the Ukrainian presidency on social media.

The Russian leader claimed that the referendums in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia - which have been branded a “sham” in the West - were the "will of millions of people".

Putin also called on Kyiv to immediately stop military action and return to the negotiation table.

However, President Zelensky had said that any “annexation” would mean the end of the possibility of dialogue with Russia, and that Ukraine would continue with its offensive to retake all territory that is now in Russian hands.