President Radev at 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable:The question is not whether, but when Ukraine will join NATO

Russia's war in Ukraine was the main focus of President Rumen Radev's speech at the 28th annual round table of the Economist magazine in Athens. The President, who is on a working visit to the Greek capital on July 2, said NATO should not get involved in the war.

Participants in the forum commented on the challenges facing the world related to worsening geopolitical conflicts, climate change and the global economy, as well as the opportunities to overcome them. The international forum brings together heads of state and government from Greece and the region, representatives of institutions, business, international organisations and academia.

Rumen Radev stressed that a solution to the conflict in Ukraine should be sought through diplomacy and dialogue. He said that every day of the war is a threat and a risk for world peace. He defined this war as a war of attrition, which will lead to political uncertainty and populism. President Rumen Radev described the peace conference in Switzerland as a step in the right direction.

All the allies have confirmed their strong commitment to support Ukraine membership in NATO. The question is not whether, the question is when. And the answer will depend as well as on the development on the battlefield, on the possibility to reach a sustainable and just peace. Of course, Ukraine is a sovereign country and has the freedom to decide," the head of State said.

On one hand, I can understand the concerns of some political leaders that if we don’t support Ukraine with everything, including troops, we betray our values and recognise that in the 21st century territory can be acquired through war. On the other hand, we have to be clear that NATO should not get involved in this war. Any direct clash between NATO and Russia risks a global nuclear conflict. This is not in the interests of either Europe or Ukraine.

"Diplomacy and dialogue offer many more possibilities for the future than the black and white logic of war. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine with the participation of Ukrainian partners - this is the solution when the time comes. Ukraine should decide when the time has come," Radev concluded.