In brief
In a recent interview, President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed that Ukraine's currently occupied territories should be considered for NATO protection, signaling a desire for a diplomatic resolution to end the ongoing war.
Zelensky expressed that Ukraine would welcome NATO membership, but only if it encompassed the entire nation within its internationally recognized borders. He emphasized that offering membership solely for the territories under Ukrainian control would essentially recognize Russian claims over the rest. This proposal, however, remains largely speculative as NATO has not indicated any willingness to entertain such an arrangement. Nevertheless, Zelensky highlighted the necessity of binding security guarantees, asserting that only NATO could provide the assurances needed to prevent further Russian aggression.He acknowledged the discussions about a potential divided NATO model similar to post-World War II Germany have circulated for over a year, but no formal actions have taken place. In a notable move, he expressed eagerness to engage with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's administration and share ideas for possible peace negotiations, acknowledging the urgent need for a secure Ukraine independent from Russian influence.Zelensky noted the stark difference between his peace plan and anticipated U.S. policies under Trump, particularly regarding potential territorial concessions and the long-term status of NATO membership—elements that could shape Ukraine's future security landscape.As the situation evolves, Zelensky remains committed to finding a solution while urging continued support from Ukraine's allies, indicating a professional and diplomatic approach to ending the war which has caused substantial devastation since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Yet, the emotional and territorial stakes remain high, with President Putin showing no signs of altering his expansive territorial ambitions. Additional reporting by Sofia Ferreira Santos.
