In response to the annexation of Kherson, Zaporizhzia, Donetsk, and Luhansk, Ukrainian President Zelensky told his Telegram followers this:

“De facto, we have already made our way to NATO. De facto, we have already proven compatibility with Alliance standards. They are real for Ukraine – real on the battlefield and in all aspects of our interaction. We trust each other, we help each other, and we protect each other. This is the Alliance. De facto. Today, Ukraine is applying to make it de jure. In a process that is consistent with our value in protecting our entire community. In an expedited manner. We are taking our decisive step by signing Ukraine’s application for accelerated accession to NATO.”

Preceded by an announcement that said while Ukraine is ready to negotiate, that would never happen while Putin is president.