Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed that offering NATO membership to territories currently under Ukrainian control would end the “hot stage” of the war with Russia, AP News reports.
However, Zelensky emphasized that any NATO invitation must apply to all of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, as recognizing only part of the country would effectively acknowledge Russian-occupied territories as part of Russia. He argued that NATO protection for the areas under Ukrainian control could help halt the ongoing fighting, with Ukraine then pursuing diplomatic efforts to regain the rest of its territory.
Zelensky’s remarks come amid ongoing pressure on Ukraine’s frontline, with Russian forces advancing in certain areas in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US and NATO are discussing further military aid for Ukraine, while US President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end the war swiftly but has provided few specifics, raising uncertainty.
