(MENAFN) Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland, Vasily Bodnar, has argued that the Ukrainian military’s effectiveness against Russian forces should justify the country’s admission to NATO. He described Ukraine as a critical buffer against Russia, despite US President Donald Trump reaffirming that Kiev’s NATO bid is off and that American troops will not be deployed to the country.

Bodnar told Polsat News that Ukraine adds value to NATO because its forces “know how to kill Russians,” contrasting this with NATO members’ own capabilities. He also called for a formal invitation for Ukraine to join the bloc and suggested that ordinary Ukrainians would welcome NATO bases in “every village.”

The comments drew condemnation from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who accused Ukraine of refusing a prisoner swap involving roughly 1,000 POWs. Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued advancing throughout 2025, as Ukraine faces difficulties replenishing its ranks with new conscripts.

President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO members unless provoked and has stressed that Western troops on Ukrainian soil are unacceptable. The Kremlin also cites Ukraine’s NATO aspirations as a primary factor in the ongoing conflict.

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