Which “National Dignity” is Zelensky talking about?!

In recent days, statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Donald Trump’s proposed 28-point plan — and his claim that the plan contradicts Ukraine’s “national dignity” — have sparked debate. These remarks come at a time when Ukraine is in the midst of a devastating war, with significant parts of its territory under Russian control. But is Zelensky truly in a position to speak of “national dignity”? A brief look at Ukraine’s past and present shows that the country’s national dignity was undermined long ago — a situation rooted in decisions and approaches adopted before the war began.

Even before the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022, Ukraine under Zelensky had taken a path that turned the country into a mere appendage of NATO and the United States. This approach — centered on rapid and unconditional integration into Western structures — weakened rather than strengthened Ukraine’s independence and national sovereignty. At that time, instead of adopting an independent and balanced foreign policy that prioritized Ukraine’s national interests and security, Zelensky’s government moved in an overly aggressive manner toward the West. This excessive Western orientation inevitably placed Ukraine within the geopolitical power struggle of major global players, not as an actor but as a “pawn” or “instrument.”

One of the most important indicators of compromised national dignity is the loss of independence in strategic decision-making. Rather than using Ukraine’s unique geopolitical position as a bridge between East and West, Zelensky’s government chose to place all its cards on full alignment with the West. This strategy fueled tensions and ignored repeated warnings about the consequences of such an approach.

When a country sacrifices its decision-making autonomy for the interests of external powers and becomes an instrument in their hands, its national dignity is fundamentally challenged. National dignity goes beyond slogans and flags; it lies in a nation’s ability to chart its own course, protect its territorial integrity, and ensure the well-being of its citizens. In Ukraine’s case, this sacrifice meant that the geopolitical interests of Washington and Brussels took precedence over Kyiv’s direct, long-term security.

The result of this approach today is nothing but destruction and the loss of vast areas of the country. This outcome reflects the failure of a foreign policy built on absolute dependence. In this context, national dignity becomes tangibly evident in the fact that the lives and property of citizens have been placed on the line for objectives that do not primarily serve Ukraine’s national interests, but rather function largely as part of the West’s strategy to contain Russian influence.