Zelensky explores NATO membership for unoccupied Ukrainian territory as a potential conflict resolution

President Volodymyr Zelensky has put forward the idea that the areas of Ukraine currently controlled by his government could be placed “under the Nato umbrella” as a means to halt the “hot phase” of the conflict. During an interview with Sky News, he was questioned about his willingness to accept NATO membership solely for the territory presently held by Kyiv. Zelensky affirmed his acceptance, but stipulated that NATO membership must first be extended to the entirety of Ukraine, encompassing its internationally recognized borders. He stated in the extensive interview that Ukraine could subsequently endeavor to negotiate the retrieval of territory presently under Russian control “in a diplomatic way.” However, this proposition remains largely theoretical. Zelensky is not introducing any novel proposals; this discussion occurred during a television interview rather than a diplomatic setting, yet he is conveying messages. The prospect of NATO ever contemplating such an action is highly improbable. Zelensky commented, “Ukraine has never considered such a proposal, because no-one has officially offered it to us.” He further explained that NATO would be required to extend membership to the entire nation, including the regions presently under Russian occupation. According to a translation from Sky News, the president articulated, “You can’t give [an] invitation to just one part of a country.” He elaborated, “Why? Because thus, you would recognise that Ukraine is only that territory of Ukraine, and the other one is Russia.” He mentioned that numerous individuals were suggesting ceasefires, but he deemed them too perilous without an established mechanism to deter Russia from launching further attacks. He asserted that only NATO membership could provide such a guarantee. The Ukrainian president has previously stated his belief that the conflict could conclude within the next year if Ukraine’s allies demonstrate adequate determination. Accounts indicate that discussions regarding the “West German model”—a scenario involving NATO membership for a divided nation—have been occurring in Western diplomatic circles for over a year. Nevertheless, no official proposals have been put forth to date. Concurrently, Zelensky has expressed eagerness to appear receptive to any proposals that US President-elect Donald Trump might be contemplating. Zelensky stated, “I want to share with him ideas, and I want to hear from him, his ideas.” The Ukrainian leader announced his intention to dispatch a team in the upcoming days to meet with Trump officials, among them the president-elect’s recently designated special envoy for Ukraine, retired general Keith Kellogg. In April, General Kellogg co-authored a plan titled America First: Russia & Ukraine, which proposes freezing the front lines in Ukraine and compelling both Kyiv and Moscow to engage in negotiations. Subsequent US military aid to Ukraine would be contingent upon Kyiv’s readiness to participate in peace discussions. However, should a ceasefire occur, Washington would persist in supplying military assistance and “strengthen [Ukraine’s] defences to ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a ceasefire or peace agreement.” According to these proposals, Ukraine’s NATO membership would be postponed for an extended duration. For Zelensky, this raises a critical inquiry: what security assurances would the Trump administration be prepared to provide? Zelensky asserted, “Without NATO, it’s not real independence for Ukraine because he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] will come back.” The disparities between Zelensky’s peace initiative and the emerging Trump policy remain considerable. Nevertheless, by considering the concept of a ceasefire and difficult territorial concessions (at least in the short term), the Ukrainian leader is making every effort to appear constructive, aware that Moscow has not yet shown comparable indications. Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014. Eight years subsequent to this, it initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has since occupied territory in the eastern part of the country. It is also pertinent to observe that, thus far, President Putin has provided no indication whatsoever of having relinquished his ambition to fully subjugate Ukraine. The notion that he would consent to any portion of Ukraine joining NATO is, at present, inconceivable. All current indications suggest that any involvement of NATO remains entirely unfeasible. Additional reporting was contributed by Sofia Ferreira Santos. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.