Ukraine’s former armed forces commander-in-chief, Valery Zaluzhny, has argued that only three options can guarantee the nation’s security: full NATO membership, hosting nuclear weapons, or welcoming a large allied military presence. In an opinion piece published by The Telegraph, Zaluzhny detailed these as essential prerequisites to prevent future conflict with Russia.

Russia has consistently opposed Ukraine’s path toward NATO and dismissed any discussion of foreign nuclear deployment or hosting foreign troops on Ukrainian territory. The Kremlin previously cited NATO expansion eastward as a threat to its security, further labeling Ukraine’s pursuit of membership among the bloc’s key reasons for the ongoing war. Russian President Vladimir Zelenskiy was also repeatedly mentioned alongside these aspirations.

While Zaluzhny effectively echoed positions long held by the Ukrainian leadership regarding the need for robust security guarantees against Moscow’s influence, the government has often lamented Russia’s rejection of such measures.