Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed that NATO extend guaranteed protections to areas of Ukraine not currently occupied by Russia, suggesting this step could halt active hostilities in the ongoing war. Speaking to Sky News, Zelenskyy called for these territories to be brought under the “NATO umbrella” while maintaining Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
Zelenskyy argued that securing the unoccupied regions under NATO would allow Kyiv to pursue diplomatic negotiations for the return of Russian-controlled territories. “If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we should quickly take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control,” he said.
However, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of a comprehensive NATO invitation covering all of Ukraine’s territory. Offering partial membership, he said, would implicitly acknowledge Russian claims over occupied areas. “You can’t give an invitation to just one part of a country,” he noted, emphasizing the need to reinforce Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The suggestion, which Zelenskyy admitted has not been formally proposed to Kyiv, could form the basis of a cease-fire agreement with Moscow. NATO has yet to respond to the idea.
Intensifying Conflict
The war, nearing its third year, has seen recent escalations. Russia threatened strikes on Kyiv government buildings following Ukraine’s use of advanced Western-supplied weaponry against Russian territory. Meanwhile, Moscow has continued its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy argued that cease-fires without robust deterrence mechanisms, like NATO guarantees, would leave Ukraine vulnerable to further aggression. “Only NATO membership could offer that kind of guarantee,” he said.
Leadership Shake-Up in Ukraine’s Armed Forces
In a separate announcement, Zelenskyy revealed significant changes to military leadership. Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed as commander of Ukraine’s land forces, replacing Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk. The president emphasized the importance of restructuring to achieve better outcomes on the battlefield, calling the land forces “the backbone of our army.”
Zelenskyy’s comments highlight the strategic importance of NATO’s potential role in shaping Ukraine’s defense and diplomatic strategies. While speculative, the proposal underscores Kyiv’s search for long-term security solutions amid intensifying conflict and evolving leadership.
