Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined a potential framework for a ceasefire in Ukraine, suggesting that NATO membership for unoccupied Ukrainian territories could bring an end to the “hot phase” of the war.
However, he emphasized that such an arrangement must align with Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.In an exclusive interview with Sky News’ Stuart Ramsay, Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to negotiate diplomatically for the return of occupied territories while insisting that areas currently under Kyiv’s control must be protected under NATO’s security umbrella. This, he argued, would act as a deterrent against further Russian aggression.
NATO Membership as a Safeguard
Zelenskyy’s comments come amidst reports suggesting that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration might propose a deal for Ukraine to relinquish occupied territories in exchange for NATO membership. While Zelenskyy stopped short of agreeing to such terms, he indicated that NATO membership for unoccupied territories could be a crucial step toward stability.
“If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to bring the territory of Ukraine under our control into the NATO umbrella,” Zelenskyy stated. “This needs to happen quickly, so we can later regain the occupied territories through diplomatic means.
”Zelenskyy also underscored the need for a ceasefire as a mechanism to ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not seize additional Ukrainian territory. He urged NATO to act decisively, noting, “Without immediate action, Putin will likely attempt to reclaim more land.”
Concerning Relations with the U.S.
When asked about his approach to working with President-elect Trump, Zelenskyy expressed optimism about direct communication. He stressed the importance of clear dialogue to avoid misunderstandings caused by external voices within Trump’s administration.
Zelenskyy’s Vision for Ukraine’s Sovereignty
Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits ceding territory, emphasizing that any decision regarding sovereignty must involve the people of the affected regions. He noted that free and fair referendums could be considered, but only after Kyiv regains control of the occupied areas.”
Any changes in territorial sovereignty must come from the will of the Ukrainian people, under conditions where international law is respected and enforced,” he said.
This approach aligns with Zelenskyy’s longstanding stance that Crimea, as well as other occupied territories, remain integral parts of Ukraine. He also dismissed any negotiations that involve conceding territory to Russia as unconstitutional and against Ukraine’s principles of sovereignty.
Russian Position and the Ongoing Conflict
Moscow has consistently maintained that the territories it occupies will not be returned to Ukraine as part of any peace deal. Following its annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia has expanded its occupation to include areas within the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. In September 2022, Russia unilaterally declared its annexation of these territories after conducting referendums that were widely condemned as illegitimate by the international community.
Despite significant efforts by Ukraine to reclaim these regions, Russian forces have made incremental gains in the east, keeping Ukrainian forces on the defensive in recent months. Analysts suggest that the stalemate may push both sides toward a diplomatic resolution, but key differences in their positions remain a significant barrier.Zelenskyy’s “Victory Plan”
Earlier this year, Zelenskyy presented a “victory plan” to the Ukrainian parliament. This strategy firmly rejected territorial concessions and prioritised the protection of Ukraine’s sovereignty. While Zelenskyy’s proposal for NATO membership for unoccupied territories signals flexibility, it also underscores his refusal to legitimize Russia’s occupation.”
Our victory plan ensures that Ukraine remains whole and independent,” Zelenskyy declared. “Negotiations are possible, but they must respect our territorial integrity and international law.”
The Road Ahead
As the war surpasses 1,000 days, the prospect of a ceasefire remains elusive. While Zelenskyy’s NATO proposal could serve as a stepping stone toward peace, it requires alignment not only within Ukraine but also among its allies, including the U.S. and NATO member states. The coming months will reveal whether Zelenskyy’s diplomatic vision can gain traction or whether the conflict will persist with no clear end in sight.
