Zelenskyy: Ceasefire Could Be Struck if Free Ukrainian Territory Taken "Under NATO Umbrella"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that a ceasefire could be achieved if territories under Ukraine’s administration are placed "under the NATO umbrella." The proposal comes amid ongoing discussions about the role of NATO in ensuring Ukraine's security, according to Sky News.

Speaking to Sky News, Zelenskyy addressed reports suggesting that US President-elect Donald Trump may consider a plan where Ukraine relinquishes its Russian-occupied territories in exchange for NATO membership. Zelenskyy rejected this notion, emphasizing that any NATO invitation must recognize Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.

"If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we must bring under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we control," Zelenskyy stated. "We need to do this quickly. After that, regarding the [occupied] territories, Ukraine can work to reclaim them through diplomatic means."

Zelenskyy also highlighted the urgency of NATO protection to prevent further territorial aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin. "A ceasefire is needed to guarantee that Putin will not return. NATO must immediately cover the territories under Ukraine’s control, which is very much needed. Otherwise, he [Putin] will come back," he warned.

On November 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine cannot recognize any Russian occupation of its territories as legal, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to restoring its borders through diplomacy.

At the same time, Zelenskyy admitted that Crimea cannot be brought back with force, but rather through diplomacy.