In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that parts of Ukraine under Kyiv’s control should be brought under NATO’s protection to stop the ongoing war, describing it as a potential way to prevent the “hot phase” of the conflict from escalating further. Zelensky was responding to questions about the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine, but only for the territory it currently holds, with the condition that membership would apply to the entire country, including regions currently under Russian occupation.

Zelensky emphasized that NATO could provide the only real security guarantee for Ukraine, arguing that ceasefires, without robust mechanisms to prevent future Russian aggression, would be too risky. “Ceasefires without a means to ensure Russia will not attack again are simply too dangerous,” he stated, highlighting NATO as the only entity capable of offering lasting security assurances.

While the proposal remains highly theoretical, Zelensky’s remarks reflect his ongoing efforts to engage diplomatically with both NATO and international powers. He noted that discussions around a “West German model” for NATO membership — where a divided country receives membership — have been circulating in Western circles for over a year. However, no formal proposals have been made, and it remains unclear whether NATO would ever entertain such a move, especially since Ukraine is still fighting to regain territory lost to Russian forces.

Zelensky further acknowledged that NATO would need to offer membership to all of Ukraine, including territories currently under Russian control, rather than just the areas Kyiv controls. “You can’t give an invitation to just one part of a country,” Zelensky argued, warning that doing so would effectively recognize Russian occupation of the rest of the country.

Zelensky also expressed a willingness to engage with any peace proposals from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, including a plan co-authored by retired General Keith Kellogg that would freeze current frontlines and encourage both Ukraine and Russia to enter peace negotiations. Under this plan, the U.S. would continue to provide military aid to Ukraine but delay NATO membership for an extended period.

Despite the potential for diplomacy, Zelensky made it clear that without NATO membership, Ukraine’s independence would be at risk. He firmly stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin would likely attempt to reclaim control of Ukraine, as he has shown no signs of abandoning his goal to subjugate the entire nation.

COURTESY: Yass Facts

While the differences between Zelensky’s position and Trump’s proposals remain significant, the Ukrainian president is working to maintain a constructive dialogue with the West, aware that the ultimate success of Ukraine’s survival depends on the international community’s support, and on a resolution that could either preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity or offer security guarantees that ensure its long-term peace.

Zelensky’s remarks reflect the heightened urgency and complexity of Ukraine’s situation, as the country grapples with both the immediate reality of war and the long-term questions of sovereignty and security. His appeal to NATO for protection underscores the growing fear that Russia’s ambitions in Ukraine are far from over, and that without strong external guarantees, Ukraine remains vulnerable to further aggression.

Zelensky has consistently stressed the need for NATO’s support, claiming that only the alliance can offer the type of security that will ensure Ukraine’s survival as a sovereign state. His message is clear: a ceasefire, if achieved, would be precarious without NATO backing, and any peace agreement that doesn’t address the underlying security issues would only be a temporary reprieve.

The concept of dividing Ukraine’s NATO membership into two stages — one for the territory under Kyiv’s control and one for the areas still occupied by Russia — is an intriguing, if controversial, suggestion. While such a move could offer a way to end hostilities in the short term, it also raises fundamental questions about the nature of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its international standing. NATO membership is an all-or-nothing proposition, and any decision to extend it only to part of Ukraine would be seen as an acknowledgment of the status quo created by Russia’s invasion and occupation.

Although there have been talks within Western diplomatic circles about offering NATO membership to a divided Ukraine, this idea has not yet been seriously entertained by NATO itself. There are significant concerns about the alliance’s credibility and the potential consequences of creating such a precedent. NATO’s core principle is the idea that it will defend all of its members equally, and offering membership to only part of a country could send the wrong message to both Russia and other countries in the region.

At the same time, Zelensky has made it clear that he is open to negotiations and is keen to explore all avenues for peace. He has signaled a willingness to engage with the incoming Trump administration, particularly with the idea of negotiating with Russia. While this is seen by some as a pragmatic approach, there are risks involved, especially if it involves making territorial concessions or accepting a prolonged pause in NATO membership for Ukraine.

The proposed freeze on the frontlines and the condition that the U.S. would continue military aid to Ukraine, even without NATO membership, suggests that Western powers may be looking for a middle ground that would allow Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength. However, this approach raises difficult questions about the long-term stability of Ukraine and its ability to defend itself against further Russian advances.

For Zelensky, the stakes are high. His leadership is under constant scrutiny, both at home and abroad, as the war drags on. While the humanitarian toll continues to rise, with millions displaced and thousands of lives lost, the Ukrainian president is under pressure to not only secure immediate military support but also to ensure a future where Ukraine can maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The looming questions of NATO membership and the possible negotiation of Ukrainian territory are bound to be central to any future peace talks — but whether such talks will lead to a lasting resolution or simply perpetuate the cycle of conflict remains uncertain.

As Zelensky prepares to engage further with global leaders, including those in the U.S., he faces the challenge of balancing Ukraine’s immediate military needs with the long-term goal of securing its future within the international order. While the prospect of NATO membership remains a distant and complicated proposition, it continues to be seen by many as the ultimate guarantee of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. But achieving this, or even laying the groundwork for such a shift, will require significant diplomatic maneuvering and a resolution to the ongoing conflict that allows for a peaceful, stable Ukraine.

COURTESY: Hindustan Times

In the meantime, Zelensky’s actions will continue to be shaped by the evolving dynamics of the war and the shifting alliances on the global stage. How far he is willing to push for NATO membership — and how far the West is willing to go to support him — will be key factors in determining the outcome of this ongoing crisis.

As President Zelensky continues to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, the reality of his position is shaped by both internal and external pressures. While he seeks NATO’s protection and security guarantees, he must balance the expectations of his domestic audience, who expect a strong defense of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, with the nuanced diplomatic discussions happening in the West.

His willingness to engage with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his team reflects Zelensky’s pragmatism. Despite differing policy approaches, Zelensky has shown a readiness to explore various options that could bring the war to an end. However, the idea of negotiating peace with Russia while keeping NATO membership on the table presents challenges. Any diplomatic solution to the conflict would require serious concessions, and even if a ceasefire is agreed upon, the long-term risks of future Russian aggression remain daunting without the full security assurances that NATO membership would bring.

The idea of dividing NATO membership between the areas under Ukrainian control and those occupied by Russia introduces a fraught question about the meaning of sovereignty. NATO’s commitment to collective defense is clear and binding, and providing partial membership to a country could compromise the alliance’s core principles. Some argue that such a move would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other countries to challenge the territorial integrity of NATO members.

Moreover, there is the issue of the Western allies themselves. While the U.S. and NATO have been key supporters of Ukraine since the war began, their commitment to offering Ukraine full membership, especially in the midst of such a brutal war, remains uncertain. Russia’s continued opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership is not likely to soften in the foreseeable future. Moscow perceives NATO expansion as a direct threat to its sphere of influence, and any movement toward a NATO-inclusive Ukraine would likely escalate tensions even further.

In this tense diplomatic environment, Zelensky’s assertion that NATO is the only credible way to guarantee Ukraine’s security resonates deeply with his allies and the Ukrainian people. However, his call for NATO to offer membership first to the whole of Ukraine, rather than just the territories under Kyiv’s control, signals a complicated and potentially protracted path forward. It would require significant shifts in NATO’s strategy and position, which could take years to materialize.

This leaves Ukraine in a precarious position: while Kyiv seeks to fortify its defenses with the assistance of NATO, there is no clear roadmap for how such assistance will manifest or how long it will take for Ukraine to be integrated into the alliance, particularly while Russian forces control a significant portion of Ukrainian territory.

COURTESY: Sky News

In the meantime, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to worsen. Civilians are caught in the crossfire of an increasingly brutal war, and the toll on Ukraine’s population, both in terms of casualties and displaced persons, is catastrophic. The war has displaced millions, and the ongoing destruction of infrastructure has left much of the population without access to basic necessities. Zelensky’s government must not only contend with military operations but also address the growing needs of its people as the war drags on.

International efforts to provide humanitarian aid, such as those from the United Nations, have faced significant obstacles, with both sides of the conflict impeding aid delivery. As Zelensky contemplates diplomatic solutions, he must also ensure that Ukraine’s humanitarian needs are met, particularly as winter approaches and conditions worsen for the millions of displaced and vulnerable Ukrainians.

As the global political landscape shifts, the role of Ukraine’s allies and its potential NATO membership remain central to discussions of peace and security. Zelensky’s leadership, and his willingness to push for a diplomatic resolution that balances Ukraine’s defense needs with the demands of international diplomacy, will continue to shape the outcome of this crisis. However, the stakes could not be higher: for Ukraine, it’s not only a matter of securing peace but of ensuring that peace guarantees the country’s future as an independent, sovereign nation.

Looking ahead, the question remains whether NATO will be willing to extend the security umbrella that Zelensky insists is necessary, and whether Russia will agree to any form of settlement that acknowledges Ukraine’s territorial integrity. While Zelensky’s calls for NATO membership serve as a beacon of hope for many Ukrainians, the road to achieving such a security arrangement will likely be long, uncertain, and fraught with diplomatic and military challenges.

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