Giving up was definitely not an easy decision. But if we look at the developments of the above diplomatic negotiation process, and look at the direction and progress of the situation on the field, Mr. Zelensky's abandonment is very timely, if not practical, it is a decision to abandon one thing for the other, to be less passive and more proactive.
The US and Ukraine's allies in the EU and NATO were somewhat surprised and bewildered but relieved by being less embarrassed. NATO has made a certain commitment to admit Ukraine to the alliance but cannot promise a specific time.
Mr. Zelensky and both NATO and the EU believe that only when Ukraine is among NATO members can it ensure the security of Ukraine and Europe in the post-war period.
Ukraine cannot join NATO, NATO cannot continue to expand and NATO troops cannot be deployed in Ukraine, which are long-standing prerequisites for Russia to peace with Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump and his colleagues are aware that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not make a concession under this precondition. Mr Trump wants to quickly end the conflict in Ukraine, so unlike his predecessor, he does not support NATO's admission of Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky has given up on Ukraine's entry into NATO, realizing that this is currently completely impossible and not knowing when in the future it will come true. Giving up something that is very wanted and really needed but not yet available but can be profitable in another way is still much better than being "damaged, burned".
The advantage here is not to make Mr. Trump uncomfortable and put pressure on Mr. Putin, but at the same time to have a position to urge the US and its allies in Europe to accept Ukraine's support and security, ensuring that the practical effect of Ukraine is no different from allowing Ukraine to join NATO.
Mr Zelensky expressed a basic concession, taking a step back to pressure and encourage Mr Trump to continue to directly participate in the conflict in Ukraine, while in two directions: increasing strong pressure on Mr Putin, maintaining US political, military and financial support for Ukraine.
Mr. Zelensky's abandonment has caused more difficulties and awkwardness for Mr. Putin, when it showed that Ukraine was ready to reduce the prerequisites for peace and reconciliation with Russia, while Russia was determined to remain steadfast in the long-standing prerequisites.
Mr. Zelensky gave up his wish for Ukraine to join NATO because he knew clearly that the EU and NATO could not, did not dare to abandon Ukraine even if the US no longer provided Ukraine with military and financial support.
The statements and actions of Mr. Trump and his colleagues have so far forced the EU and NATO to consider supporting NATO when there is no longer the participation of the US, that is, creating a new security structure to ensure security for Ukraine. Giving up is a real regret, but only then can we recover some.
