Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized today, during his meeting with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, the importance of security guarantees from Europe in any potential negotiations to end Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Ukraine requires security assurances not only from NATO but also directly from European countries, Zelensky stated, according to the official German translation of his conversation with Merz in Kyiv.

Zelensky admitted that Ukraine is unlikely to gain NATO membership at this time but reiterated his call for a formal invitation to join the Alliance.

Over the weekend, Zelensky met in Paris with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. He expressed his intention to speak soon with current President Joe Biden to discuss NATO membership.

“Because he is the current president of the United States, and naturally, much depends on his opinion,” Zelensky said. “Discussing this with Trump now, before he assumes office in the White House, doesn’t make much sense.”

There are widespread concerns in Ukraine and across the European Union about the extent to which Trump will continue to provide military support to Ukraine after taking office on January 20.

The U.S. has been by far the largest and most significant supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022.

European allies, for now, do not appear capable or willing to fill the gap if Trump reduces or halts U.S. aid.