Zelensky reiterated that any invitation for NATO membership cannot involve only portions of Ukraine, as that would imply legal recognition of Russia's claim over the occupied territories. He voiced skepticism about the success of ceasefires without robust mechanisms in place to prevent future aggressions from Russia, arguing that NATO's backing would serve as an essential security guarantee. Despite ongoing consideration of a "West German model" of divided NATO membership among Western officials for over a year, no concrete proposals have surfaced. Meanwhile, the geopolitical landscape remains fraught, as Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unyielding in his ambitions to control Ukraine entirely. The complex interplay of these factors makes any involvement of NATO in Ukraine seem unlikely at present.
Zelensky Envisions NATO Membership as Key to Ending Ukraine's 'Hot Phase' of War
Zelensky Envisions NATO Membership as Key to Ending Ukraine's 'Hot Phase' of War
In a revealing Sky News interview, Ukraine's President outlines the potential benefits of NATO involvement for unoccupied regions of Ukraine.
In an effort to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that NATO membership for the parts of Ukraine currently under Ukrainian control could help to end the "hot phase" of the war. During the interview, Zelensky voiced willingness to accept NATO membership, but only if it encompassed all of Ukraine's internationally recognized borders first. He posited that with NATO as a protective body, Ukraine could more effectively negotiate the return of territories currently held by Russia through diplomacy. However, he emphasized that this is largely a theoretical discussion, as no formal offers of such membership have been extended from NATO.
