Zelensky Suggests NATO Protection for Unoccupied Ukraine Could End War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a bold strategy to halt the ongoing war with Russia, suggesting that parts of Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control be brought under NATO protection. Speaking to Britain’s Sky News on Friday, Zelensky emphasized that this move could "stop the hot stage of the war" while ensuring long-term security for the country.

Key Proposal: NATO Umbrella for Controlled Territories

Zelensky suggested that NATO extend its collective defense guarantees, including the Article 5 clause, to the areas of Ukraine currently under Kyiv's control. He hinted that reclaiming the nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory seized by Russia could then be pursued through diplomatic means.

"If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control," Zelensky said. He added, "Ukraine can get back the other part of its territory diplomatically."

Escalating Conflict and Rising Tensions

The nearly three-year war has intensified recently, with Russia launching large-scale aerial attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and threatening strikes on government buildings in Kyiv. These actions were reportedly in response to Ukraine firing Western-supplied missiles into Russian territory.

Russia currently occupies about 18% of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and parts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Moscow continues to demand further territorial concessions, while Kyiv remains firm in refusing to cede land for peace.

NATO Membership and Security Guarantees

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's desire for full NATO membership but suggested that practical protections for now could be focused on areas Kyiv controls. "If we speak ceasefire, [we need] guarantees that Putin will not come back," he stated.

Russia has long opposed Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, with President Vladimir Putin previously calling for Kyiv to abandon its NATO bid as a condition for peace.

Diplomatic Efforts Amid Escalation

The Ukrainian president has been actively engaging Western leaders, including Britain’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Olaf Scholz, to rally support. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has increased military aid to Ukraine following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory earlier this month.

This increased support includes the transfer of long-range missiles, which Ukraine has used to strike Russian territory. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow, with Putin threatening retaliatory strikes, including the use of hypersonic missiles.

Military Leadership Changes

In response to Russia’s escalations, Zelensky has taken steps to strengthen Ukraine’s military leadership. On Friday, he appointed Mykhailo Drapaty as the new Land Forces Commander. Drapaty, known for his leadership in the Kharkiv sector, has been tasked with bolstering Ukraine’s defenses and introducing new strategic approaches.

A Balancing Act for Peace

Zelensky’s proposal to bring parts of Ukraine under NATO protection is seen as a pragmatic step toward ending the war while securing the country’s future. However, it faces significant hurdles, including resistance from Russia and the complexities of NATO’s decision-making process.

With the conflict showing no signs of abating, the coming weeks will likely see intensified diplomatic efforts and continued global attention on Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and peace.