Zelensky Pushes New NATO Strategy Amid Ukraine Conflict

Zelensky Advocates a New Approach to the War and NATO Membership

In a revealing exchange with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put forth a proposal concerning Ukraine's potential membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the ongoing conflict with Russia. He suggested an effective strategy to terminate the active hostilities would be for NATO to extend membership to the parts of the country under Kyiv's control. However, this invitation should acknowledge Ukraine's internationally accepted borders.

Contours of Zelensky's Proposal

"The way to halt the armed conflict would be for NATO to swiftly integrate the portions of Ukraine that are currently under our governance," said President Zelensky in the November 29 interview, implying that the country's subsequent goal would be to recover the other territories through diplomatic channels. To date, the president stated, such a suggestion has never been officially presented to the Kyiv government.

However, the election of Donald Trump has instigated unpredictable elements into Ukraine's wartime efforts. Trump has voiced critiques about the military support the U.S, under Joe Biden's administration, has offered to Ukraine. Additional reports suggest that this could necessitate Ukraine forfeiting territories and suspending its NATO enrolment plans, at least for the time being.

Contradictions with Previous Remarks and Current Situations

These most recent comments from President Zelensky seem to slightly contradict his prior messages. Previously, he dismissed partial NATO membership for Ukraine as "nonsense," asserting that Ukraine would "never trade any status for any of our lands." His recent discussion with Sky News insinuates that those Ukrainian territories presently under Russian control would not be covered under NATO protection, as per his scenario.

Areas such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia are partially occupied by Russian forces. Despite only controlling two out of the four regional capitals—Kherson and Zaporizhzhia—Russia asserts that it annexed these regions in 2022 in its entirety. Moreover, Moscow has full control over Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

Throughout 2024, Ukraine found itself in a tough spot protecting its frontlines, particularly in the Donetsk Oblast, where Russia continually bolstered its offensive might. Despite applying for NATO membership as early as September 2022, Ukraine has yet to receive an official invite. Although the last two NATO summits raised hopes in Kyiv, the only concrete outcomes so far have been further steps toward deepening Ukraine-NATO cooperation and a declaration confirming the nation's irreversible path toward NATO membership.