Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that a potential ceasefire could be achieved if the territory under Kiev’s control is placed “under the NATO umbrella”, allowing Ukraine to later negotiate the return of Russian-occupied territories through diplomatic means.

Zelenskyy’s comments on Trump’s peace plan

Zelenskyy was asked in an interview with Sky News to comment on reports of a possible peace plan from President-elect of the United States Donald Trump. The report showed that Trumps proposal can mean Ukraine cede the territory Moscow has taken in exchange for NATO membership.

Conditions for membership in NATO

Zelenskyy stated that NATO membership should be offered to the parts of Ukraine still under its control to end the “hot phase of the war.” However, he clarified that the NATO invitation must recognize Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.

Approval of temporary Russian control

The news report said he appeared to accept that occupied eastern parts of the country would fall outside such a deal for now.

Zelenskyy calls for immediate NATO protection

“If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we must take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control,” Zelenskyy explained, emphasizing the urgency of such an arrangement to prevent further Russian expansion. “We have to do it quickly. And then on Ukraine’s (occupied) territory, Ukraine can get them back diplomatically.”

Call for ceasefire to prevent further Russian expansion

The president also underlined the need for a ceasefire to prevent further Russian trespassing on Ukrainian territory. “We have to guarantee that Vladimir Putin will not come back,” he said. “NATO should immediately cover the part of Ukraine that remains under Kiev’s control. Otherwise he will come back.”

A change in Zelenskyy’s position

This marks the first time Zelenskyy has hinted at the possibility of a cease-fire agreement that involves a temporary acceptance of Russian control over Ukrainian soil. Throughout the ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy has consistently rejected any thoughts of ceding Ukrainian territory to Russiaincluding Crimea, which was occupied by Russia in February 2014 and annexed the following month.

NATO membership the key to Ukraine’s security

The President of Ukraines comments signal a change in his position as the war continues to ravage the country. However, he has made it clear that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain of utmost importance, with NATO membership seen as a crucial step to ensure the nation’s security and long-term peace.

Global attention to Zelenskyy’s proposal

As diplomatic discussions continue, the world is watching closely to see if Zelenskyythe proposal could pave the way for a final end to the conflict.