In a bold statement aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested placing parts of Ukraine under NATO protection to halt the "hot phase" of the conflict with Russia. Speaking in a comprehensive interview with Sky News, Zelensky discussed the prospect of NATO membership, emphasizing the need for guarantees to prevent further aggression from Moscow.
Zelensky expressed openness to NATO membership being extended to the territory currently under Kyiv's control. However, he insisted that any such offer must first encompass all of Ukraine—including territories internationally recognized but currently under Russian occupation. The Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of this principle, saying, "You can't give [an] invitation to just one part of a country. Why? Because thus, you would recognize that Ukraine is only that territory of Ukraine, and the other one is Russia."
Zelensky acknowledged that the suggestion is hypothetical, as NATO has yet to make such an offer. Discussions around a so-called "West German model"—granting NATO membership to a divided nation—have reportedly been circulating in Western political circles for over a year. However, no formal proposals have emerged, and the possibility of NATO adopting such a strategy remains unlikely.
The Ukrainian president underscored that ceasefire proposals without mechanisms to prevent future Russian attacks are insufficient. He argued that only NATO membership could provide the security guarantees Ukraine needs to ensure lasting peace. “Ukraine has never considered such a proposal, because no-one has officially offered it to us,” he said.
Zelensky also reiterated his preference for resolving the war diplomatically. He expressed hope that the conflict could conclude in 2025, contingent on continued support and resolve from Ukraine’s allies. However, he faces stiff opposition from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no signs of abandoning his ambitions to fully subjugate Ukraine, making the prospect of allowing any part of Ukraine to join NATO unthinkable from the Kremlin’s perspective.
The debate over Ukraine’s future has also taken center stage in international discussions. In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war within “24 hours” upon taking office. His administration has hinted at potential compromises for Ukraine, likely involving territorial concessions in the Donbas and Crimea regions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky, remain committed to reclaiming all territories within the country’s internationally recognized borders.
Amid these geopolitical maneuvers, the war on the ground continues unabated. Russia recently launched its second mass attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in less than two weeks, a move Moscow described as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. As Ukrainians brace for their third winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the humanitarian and energy crises show no signs of abating.
Zelensky’s proposal, though ambitious, highlights the complexities of seeking peace in a deeply divided region. With no clear path forward and mounting challenges, Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty and security remains a pivotal issue on the global stage.