As the conflict in Ukraine approaches its third year, President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a bold appeal to NATO, urging the alliance to extend guaranteed protections to the territories of Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control.
This proposal, Zelensky argues, could help “stop the hot stage of the war” while paving the way for a more strategic approach to reclaiming occupied territories through diplomatic means.
In an interview with Britain’s Sky News, Zelensky outlined his vision for securing peace. He proposed that NATO extend practical protections—such as its Article Five collective defense clause—to areas of Ukraine currently under the government’s control.
While Kyiv maintains its aspiration for full NATO membership, Zelensky hinted at a potential compromise that would provide immediate security for part of Ukraine.
“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 stated. “That’s what we need to do fast, and then Ukraine can get back the other part of its territory diplomatically.”
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Zelensky’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to the ongoing war, acknowledging the challenges of regaining the 18% of Ukrainian territory currently under Russian control. This includes the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Moscow in 2014, and four additional regions—Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia—claimed by Russia following its 2022 invasion.
The plea for NATO’s involvement comes as the war intensifies on multiple fronts. Russia recently escalated its attacks, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in response to Ukraine’s use of U.S. and British-supplied missiles on Russian soil. Moscow has also issued direct threats to strike government buildings in Kyiv.
In a sharp escalation, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the use of a new hypersonic missile on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, signaling a volatile response to Ukraine’s recent gains and Western support.
Zelensky’s comments coincide with increased speculation about potential peace talks or a ceasefire. Discussions have been amplified following Donald Trump’s victory in the recent U.S. presidential election. The former president has criticized American aid to Kyiv and claimed he could end the conflict within hours, though he has not provided specifics.
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While Kyiv remains firm in its stance against ceding territory for peace, Zelensky has emphasized the necessity of guarantees to prevent future aggression from Moscow. “If we speak ceasefire, [we need] guarantees that Putin will not come back,” he said in English.
Russia, however, has demanded that Ukraine renounce its NATO ambitions as a condition for any peace deal—a demand Kyiv has consistently rejected.
Zelensky has been actively engaging with Western leaders in recent days to solidify support for Ukraine. He held discussions with Britain’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Olaf Scholz. In the U.S., Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated America’s commitment to “sustainable support for Ukraine” in a call with Ukraine’s foreign minister.
Since Trump’s election, the Biden administration has increased military aid to Ukraine, including the transfer of advanced weaponry and authorization for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian targets.
While these actions have bolstered Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, they have also drawn sharp criticism and threats from Moscow.
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Amid the escalating conflict, Zelensky has made moves to reinforce the leadership of Ukraine’s armed forces. On Friday, he appointed Mykhailo Drapaty as the new Land Forces Commander. Drapaty, who previously led forces in the northeastern Kharkiv sector, played a critical role in defending against a surprise Russian offensive earlier this year.
“These personnel decisions are aimed at strengthening our army, enhancing its combat readiness, and introducing new management approaches,” explained Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Zelensky’s appeal to NATO highlights the urgent need for a decisive strategy to end the ongoing conflict. While the proposal for NATO protection over Kyiv-controlled territories may provide immediate security, it also underscores the complexity of balancing military action with diplomatic efforts.
As tensions continue to rise and the battlefield remains unpredictable, Ukraine’s leadership faces the monumental task of securing peace while maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Whether through NATO’s support or other diplomatic mechanisms, the world watches closely as Kyiv navigates the path toward resolution in one of the most significant conflicts of our time.