Zelensky: Expanding NATO Protection to All Ukrainian Territory Is Key to Ending War
Ukraine's president has called for clear borders as a prerequisite for joining NATO, emphasizing that extending an invitation to only parts of the country would be unacceptable. Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the necessity of incorporating all Ukrainian territory under NATO's security umbrella for a decisive end to the ongoing conflict.Ukraine: A Gateway to Joining NATO
When it comes to Ukraine’s pathway into NATO, President Zelensky outlined a decisive view.
"You can’t just extend an invitation to parts of a country,"
the Ukrainian leader stated in an interview with Britain’s Sky News.
"Because? Because then you realize that Ukraine is just that territory, and the rest is Russia," he emphasized, hinting at the complex geopolitical landscape.
According to the Ukrainian constitution, recognizing territories currently under Russian occupation as part of Russia is legally impossible.
"So legally we have no right to recognize the occupied territories as Russian territory,"
Zelensky affirmed.
While acknowledging the start of a "difficult phase" of negotiations, Zelensky laid out his vision:
"If we want to stop the intense phase of the war, we should take the Ukrainian territories that we control under the NATO umbrella. That’s what we need to do as soon as possible."
In his "Victory Plan" presented in October, inviting Ukraine to join NATO was a key component. The plan aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position during potential future negotiations with Moscow.
NATO’s Commitment and Uncertainties
Newly appointed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed Zelensky’s sentiment, asserting,
"The alliance needs to go further in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression."
Furthermore, NATO foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on December 3, where military aid to Ukraine will be high on the agenda. While there is a commitment to Ukraine, the process of joining NATO remains complicated. It requires a complex process and the full consent of all member states.
Adding further complexity is the uncertainty surrounding the foreign policy stance of U.S. President-elect Trump. Despite promising to end Russia’s invasion “within one day” during his campaign, details remain scant on how he intends to achieve this. Trump has also chosen Keith Kellogg, a decorated retired three-star general, to act as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
In April, Kellogg stated:
"Ending the Russia-Ukraine war requires strong leadership that puts America first to reach a peace agreement and immediately end hostilities between the two warring parties."
However, concerns have arisen regarding
Trump’s refusal to directly answer questions about his preferred outcome for Ukraine in his only debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.
A Nation Under Strain
Ukraine continues to face intense pressure along its 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, according to a recent report by the Washington-based Institute for War Studies. The report highlights
recent Russian advances near Kupinsk in Toletsk and near Pokrovsk and Velika Novosilka – all strategically important locations majorly impacting Ukrainian logistical lines.
On Saturday, Ukrainian Air Force announced that ten Russian drones targeted Ukraine, successfully taking down eight
in the regions of Kiev, Cherkasy, Kirovorad, Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson.
Another drone returned to Russian-occupied territory. The fate of the final drone remains unclear, disappearing from radar, possibly
succumbing to electronic defenses.
Russia, through its Defense Ministry, maintains that 11 Ukrainian drones were intercepted by their air defense
system.
Other Morales Addressing the media, voices such as Andrei Proshunin, the mayor of Sochi
in southwestern Russia, and Sergei Melikov, the head of Russia’s Dagestan region
What are the potential implications of Ukraine’s NATO membership for Russia and the wider international community?
## Interview: Ukraine’s NATO Bid – All or Nothing?
**Host:** Joining us today is Alex Reed, an expert on international relations and Eastern European affairs, to discuss the latest developments in the Ukraine-NATO relationship. President Zelenskyy recently made it clear that Ukraine’s path to joining NATO hinges on the inclusion of all Ukrainian territory. What are your thoughts on this stance?
**Alex Reed:** Zelenskyy’s position is undoubtedly bold, and reflects the extremely challenging situation Ukraine faces. He’s emphasizing that a partial NATO membership, encompassing only territories currently under Ukrainian control, would be unacceptable and essentially legitimize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the Donbas region. Legally, according to the Ukrainian constitution, these territories remain part of Ukraine, and Zelenskyy is standing firm on that principle.
**Host:** The situation is indeed complex. NATO has shown strong support for Ukraine, but the process of admitting a new member is notoriously intricate. How realistic is it to expect full NATO membership for Ukraine anytime soon?
**Alex Reed:** Unfortunately, the path to full NATO membership for Ukraine is fraught with obstacles, even with the recent establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council [[1](https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_217099.htm)]. While NATO has expressed its commitment to support Ukraine, admitting a country actively engaged in a war with a nuclear-armed power like Russia poses significant risks. Additionally, the unanimous consent of all NATO members is required, and there are differing opinions within the alliance regarding the timeline and terms for Ukraine’s potential accession.
**Host:** The upcoming NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels will be crucial in this regard. What are your expectations for this meeting, particularly regarding military aid to Ukraine?
**Alex Reed:** The meeting will undoubtedly focus heavily on enhancing military support for Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russian aggression. NATO’s new Secretary General, Mark Rutte, has already expressed the need for further assistance, echoing Zelenskyy’s call for greater engagement. However, the scope and nature of this aid remain to be seen. While some allies may push for more substantial weaponry, others may remain cautious due to concerns about escalating the conflict.
**Host:** Thank you, Alex Reed, for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s clear that the future of Ukraine’s NATO membership is a complex and multifaceted question with profound implications for both the region and the wider international order.
