Zelensky says no longer insisting on NATO membership, will Russia-Ukraine war end now?

Kiev: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is no longer pressing for NATO membership for Ukraine, the issue which is one of Russia's stated reasons for invading its pro-Western neighbor.

In another gesture aimed at placating Moscow, Zelensky said he is open to "compromise" on the status of two breakaway pro-Russian territories of Donbas and Luhansk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had recognized these two as independent just before the invasion of Ukraine started in February 24.

"I have cooled down regarding this question a long time ago after we understood that ... NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky said in an interview aired Monday night on ABC News.

"The alliance is afraid of controversial things, and confrontation with Russia," the he added. (UNI)