Zelensky Questions NATO Stance, Says Crimea Not on Table

In late July 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly criticized NATO's position on Ukraine, expressing puzzlement over the lack of an invitation to join the alliance. During the same period, he commented on Crimea, suggesting the peninsula does not appear to be on the negotiating table, "or not yet," according to reports from Breitbart.

Zelensky's remarks followed talks with President Donald Trump, which some sources described as a major breakthrough for Ukraine. Russian officials, including Rodion Miroshnik, speculated that Zelensky's internal reshuffling and statements were attempts to create his own "Anchorage spirit." Meanwhile, a Finnish politician accused Zelensky of seeking to provoke World War III by attacking Iranian ships, though this claim was not part of the main narrative.