Published 29 November 2024 at 20.36
Foreign. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is now open – for the first time – to give up ground to Russia, at least in the first stage. This in exchange for a NATO invitation.
– Otherwise, Putin will come back to take more, Zelenskyy tells Sky News.
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggests that a truce with Russia may become relevant if Ukraine gains NATO membership for the areas still under Kiev's control.
In an interview with Sky News, the Ukrainian president says that such a solution would put “the territory under the NATO umbrella” and enable the reintegration of the occupied territories through diplomacy.
– If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we must get the areas we control under NATO protection, Zelenskyy says.
He adds that this must happen quickly to ensure that “Putin will not come back to take more of Ukraine's territory”.
Zelensky stresses that NATO's invitation must recognize Ukraine's internationally recognized borders, even though parts of eastern Ukraine and Crimea are currently under Russian control.
It is the first time Zelenskyy has indicated that a ceasefire could include Russia retaining control over occupied territories temporarily. In the past, he has been clear that the entire territory of Ukraine, including Crimea, should be returned to Ukrainian rule.
Volodymyr Zelenskyi points out that this does not mean that Ukraine would formally cede any territories. He refers to the Constitution of Ukraine, which requires that the people of the affected regions must approve such a change in a fair and free referendum.
He also comments on the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States and emphasizes the importance of maintain good relations. Zelensky also expresses a desire to work directly with Trump to avoid misunderstandings on the part of advisers.
– We had a warm and constructive meeting in New York in September. Now we have to prepare more meetings, says Zelensky.
About a fifth of Ukraine's territory is still under Russian control and the war continues to put a heavy strain on the country's resources and military capabilities. A possible NATO accession for parts of the country would mean a significant geopolitical change in the region.