In a dramatic shift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Friday that Ukraine might temporarily cede territory to Russia in exchange for NATO security guarantees over its remaining land.
“If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we need NATO protection for the territory we control,” Zelensky said in an interview with Sky News, adding that Ukraine could later negotiate the return of Russian-occupied areas diplomatically.
This pivot comes as Donald Trump prepares to take office, promising to broker peace on “day one.” Under proposed plans, Ukraine’s ambitions for NATO membership would be shelved for 20 years, while a frozen frontline would define the new status quo.
Zelensky’s proposal hints at NATO member states, like the U.S. and Britain, providing security guarantees short of full membership—a potential compromise to appease Russia’s long-standing demands.
Critics worry such concessions could embolden Moscow. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Western nations to ensure robust security guarantees for Ukraine, warning, “Russia cannot be allowed to regroup and attack again.”
As ceasefire talks accelerate, the stakes are higher than ever: securing peace without handing Putin an open door for future aggression.
