Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant shift in his stance on the ongoing war with Russia, stating that he is willing to temporarily cede territory to Russia in exchange for NATO protection over Ukraine’s remaining territory.
In an interview with Sky News on Friday, November 29, Zelensky explained that his country could consider giving up land under Russian control for a ceasefire agreement, provided NATO member countries, such as the United States, Britain, and France, extend security guarantees over the territories Ukraine still holds.
“If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under [the] NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control,” Zelensky said.
He emphasised that this move would be a step towards ending the active fighting, while Ukraine could later negotiate the return of occupied territories through diplomatic means.
This marks a notable departure from Ukraine’s previous position, which insisted on full territorial integrity, including the return of the four regions annexed by Russia in 2022 and Crimea.
Zelensky’s new stance reflects a potential shift in strategy as diplomatic pressures and international negotiations intensify, especially with the looming inauguration of Donald Trump, who has promised to end the war on “day one” of his presidency.
Potential Peace Deal Involving NATO Guarantees
Zelensky’s proposal does not entail full NATO membership for Ukraine, something that Russian President Vladimir Putin has firmly rejected in peace discussions.
Instead, Zelensky hinted that NATO countries could offer individual security guarantees to Ukraine, ensuring protection without offering full membership, which could be seen as a way to satisfy both Russian demands and Ukraine’s security concerns.
When asked if Ukraine would be willing to cede territory for full NATO membership, Zelensky responded negatively, stating that no such offer had been made.
However, he did express openness to discussions where the “NATO umbrella” would cover the free parts of Ukraine while leaving the occupied territories under temporary Russian control.
Shifting Global Dynamics and Trump’s Role
The shift in Zelensky’s position comes as Donald Trump prepares to take office, with his team reportedly considering a peace plan that would freeze the current front lines and delay Ukraine’s NATO ambitions for 20 years.
Under this plan, the U.S. would continue to provide Ukraine with military aid to deter future Russian aggression. The involvement of European countries in peacekeeping efforts is also expected to play a central role in any peace agreement.
Boris Johnson, former British Prime Minister, has suggested that European troops, including British forces, could help enforce a ceasefire by monitoring the border between Ukraine and Russia.
He stressed the importance of multinational peacekeeping forces in maintaining a future ceasefire line and ensuring Ukraine’s security in the long term.
Zelensky hinted that several countries have unofficially proposed a ceasefire, but insisted that any ceasefire must guarantee that Russia would not rearm and launch further attacks.
“We need NATO protection very much,” Zelensky stated, underlining the importance of security guarantees to prevent any future Russian resurgence.
As the international community closely watches developments, Zelensky’s comments suggest that Ukraine may be open to exploring peace talks under specific conditions, signaling a potential shift in the course of the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains fluid, and the coming months will likely be crucial in determining the future of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its relationship with NATO.
