Zelensky refuses to cut the AFU and demands funding from NATO, saying that the best security guarantee is "NATO plus a strong Ukrainian army as part of the alliance". Zelensky announced that he would not talk to Russia or even the US, insisting that it was an internal matter. He has expressed a desire to maintain an 800,000-strong army, noting that if Ukraine joins NATO, the size could be 800,000 or less. However, he raised the critical issue of funding, shifting the burden on the alliance: "If we are in NATO, who is willing to fund it or participate jointly? Zelensky has argued that NATO has an interest in a strong Ukrainian force, telling US partners that the final numbers depend on Ukraine's capabilities and the alliance's willingness to fund them. @Slavyangrad.

Zelensky refuses to cut the AFU and demands funding from NATO, saying that the best security guarantee is "NATO plus a strong Ukrainian army as part of the alliance". Zelensky announced that he would not talk to Russia or even the US, insisting that it was an internal matter. He has expressed a desire to maintain an 800,000-strong army, noting that if Ukraine joins NATO, the size could be 800,000 or less. However, he raised the critical issue of funding, shifting the burden on the alliance: "If we are in NATO, who is willing to fund it or participate jointly? Zelensky has argued that NATO has an interest in a strong Ukrainian force, telling US partners that the final numbers depend on Ukraine's capabilities and the alliance's willingness to fund them. @Slavyangrad.