Zelenskyy Proposes NATO Umbrella for Ukrainian Territory Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently suggested that the territories currently under Ukrainian control should be placed under the NATO umbrella in a bid to halt the active phase of the war with Russia. In an interview with Sky News, Zelenskyy emphasized that this proposition has never been formally considered or extended to Ukraine. He stated, "If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control. That's what we need to do fast, and then Ukraine can get back the other part of its territory diplomatically." The president underlined the importance of any NATO invitation being issued with respect to Ukraine's internationally recognized borders, asserting that it is not feasible to extend an invitation for just part of a country.
This remarks come amid a series of devastating drone and missile attacks by Russia, which have targeted civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, leaving more than a million people without heat and power as harsh winter conditions set in. Zelenskyy’s proposals for NATO alignment follow a recently revealed victory plan aimed at ensuring Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion, which may pave the way for peace next year. However, this plan includes a controversial element—inviting Ukraine to join NATO before the conflict concludes, which has faced resistance from several key Western allies.
Zelenskyy discussed the recent Russian missile strikes in a call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where Starmer condemned the systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as depraved. Reports this month indicated the arrival of Storm Shadow missiles in Kyiv, heightening the discussions on enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities, especially regarding long-range systems. As the conflict continues, the urgency for a strategic alliance with NATO grows, as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defense and regain control over its territories.
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