News > Explained: Neutrality as a possible option for Ukraine

Explained: Neutrality as a possible option for Ukraine

Russia has demanded Ukraine rule out NATO. But even Europe's neutral countries are considering joining the alliance. "This is a variant that is being discussed and could be seen as a certain compromise," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in March during negotiations.

Ukraine pledged neutrality when it gained independence in 1991, but changed tack after Russia's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014.