Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined a potential path to ending the “hot phase” of the conflict with Russia, suggesting that NATO membership for Ukrainian-controlled territory could serve as a stepping stone to a ceasefire.
Speaking in an interview with Sky News’ Stuart Ramsay, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine might prioritise securing NATO protection for the regions it currently governs, while seeking to recover occupied territories through diplomatic means.
NATO Membership as a Strategic Shield
Zelenskyy proposed that NATO extend its security umbrella over the unoccupied parts of Ukraine, emphasising the urgency of such a move.
“If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control,” Zelenskyy stated.
He added that this step would be a safeguard against future Russian aggression, arguing, “NATO should immediately cover the part of Ukraine that remains under Kyiv’s control; otherwise, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin will come back.”
The Ukrainian president underscored that any NATO invitation must recognise Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, implicitly including occupied regions such as Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. While Zelenskyy appeared to acknowledge that these areas might remain under Russian control temporarily, he suggested their eventual return could be negotiated diplomatically.
A Shift in Position?
This marks a notable evolution in Zelenskyy’s stance. Throughout the conflict, he has maintained that no Ukrainian territory would be ceded to Russia, a position enshrined in the Ukrainian constitution. During the war’s early stages, he rejected any proposals suggesting territorial concessions as a prerequisite for peace talks. Even in July, he told Le Monde that territories occupied by Russia could only be relinquished if their populations voted to secede in a free and fair referendum conducted under Ukrainian control.
The new proposal reflects the challenges Ukraine faces in reclaiming occupied territories, with about a fifth of the country currently under Russian control. Recent months have seen Russian forces consolidate gains in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv’s counteroffensives have struggled to make significant breakthroughs.
Engaging with Trump’s Administration
Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Reports have suggested that Trump’s advisors are exploring a peace deal that might involve Kyiv ceding occupied territories to Russia in exchange for NATO membership.
Asked about Trump’s stance, Zelenskyy was diplomatic but firm in his intent to engage directly with the incoming administration. “We have to work with the new president,” he said, highlighting the need for clarity amidst “different voices” within Trump’s circle. He described his initial meeting with Trump in September as “very warm” and “constructive,” adding that the two leaders must now work on a comprehensive strategy.
Balancing Ceasefire and Sovereignty
Zelenskyy reiterated his long-standing position that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. However, his suggestion of a phased approach—securing NATO protection for government-controlled areas while pursuing diplomatic solutions for occupied territories—appears to be a pragmatic response to the military and geopolitical realities of the conflict.
He also stressed that any ceasefire must come with guarantees to prevent further Russian incursions.
“A ceasefire is needed to guarantee that Putin will not come back to take more Ukrainian territory,” Zelenskyy said.
The Russian Perspective
Moscow, meanwhile, has shown no inclination to relinquish the territories it has occupied. Following its annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia claimed additional territories in eastern and southern Ukraine through unrecognised referendums in 2022. The Kremlin insists that these areas are now part of Russia, presenting territorial concessions as a precondition for peace negotiations.
Despite Ukraine’s robust defence and Western support, the prolonged conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with limited progress in recent military campaigns. Zelenskyy’s latest comments suggest a shift towards exploring alternative strategies to secure peace while maintaining Ukraine’s long-term territorial claims.
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