Zelenskyy proposes NATO membership for controlled territories to end “hot phase” of war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that to end the “hot phase” of the war, NATO should extend membership to the parts of Ukraine currently under Kyiv’s control. In an interview with Sky News published on November 29, Zelenskyy emphasized that such a move would need to acknowledge Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.

“If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should quickly take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control. That’s what we need to do first, and then Ukraine can get back the other parts of its territory in a diplomatic way,” he said. However, he clarified that Kyiv has not received any official proposal to this effect.

This proposal contrasts with earlier statements from Zelenskyy, who previously rejected the idea of trading territory for any form of status or alliance, calling it “nonsense.” If implemented, territories occupied by Russia, such as parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea, would remain outside NATO’s protection.

Zelenskyy’s comments come amidst growing uncertainty surrounding Ukraine’s war effort following Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. Trump has been critical of US military support for Ukraine and reportedly leans toward a diplomatic resolution that could involve concessions from Kyiv, including halting its NATO bid temporarily.

Ukraine formally applied for NATO membership in September 2022 but has yet to receive an official invitation. While NATO allies have reaffirmed Ukraine’s eventual accession and deepened cooperation, no timeline for membership has been provided. Zelenskyy’s remarks hint at a potential compromise, though it would mark a significant shift in Ukraine’s strategy.