President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested on Friday that a ceasefire with Russia could be achieved if Ukrainian territories under Kyiv’s control were placed "under the NATO umbrella." In an interview with Sky News, Zelenskyy proposed that the territories currently held by Ukraine could be protected under NATO's collective defense framework. However, this statement requires clarification, as NATO typically extends its defense commitments to member countries, not individual territories. While Ukraine has long sought NATO membership, its accession to the alliance remains unlikely in the immediate future.
Zelenskyy stressed that the invitation "must be given to Ukraine within its internationally recognized border," but added that this had not been offered.
"If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control," he said.
He added: "We need to do it fast. And then on the (occupied) territory of Ukraine, Ukraine can get them back in a diplomatic way."
He also noted that by law, recognizing the occupied territories as Russian land is "impossible” as it is "against the constitution of Ukraine."
In addition to the territories in eastern Ukraine that Russia has captured since February 2022, when the current war began, there are also Crimea and Sevastopol, under Russian occupation since 2024, but internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.
When asked about his thoughts on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to return to the White House on Jan. 20, he said they have to work with Trump in order to "have the biggest supporter."
Zelenskyy expressed a desire to engage directly with Trump, citing the "different voices from people around him." Trump, often perceived as pro-Russian, has been a vocal critic of increasing aid to Ukraine.
Source: Daily Sabah
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
