Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has proposed that the territory under his control should be brought under the protection of NATO to prevent further escalation of the conflict with Russia. This suggestion, made during an interview with Sky News, is unprecedented as Ukraine has never officially received such an offer before.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to act quickly, stating that bringing Ukrainian territory under the NATO umbrella could help prevent the “hot stage” of the war and pave the way for diplomatic resolution to regain control of the rest of the country. However, he also highlighted the importance of any invitation being extended within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, rather than just a part of the country.
In a recent victory plan revealed by Zelenskyy, he expressed optimism that Ukraine could achieve peace next year in its fight against Russia’s invasion. One key step in this plan involves inviting Ukraine to join NATO before the war comes to an end, a move that has been met with resistance from some important western allies.
The interview with Zelenskyy comes at a time when Russian drone and missile attacks have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, leaving over a million people without essential services like heating and electricity during freezing temperatures. In a call with UK Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy discussed the recent attacks and the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Following the missile strike that disrupted essential services for many Ukrainians, the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, condemned the attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector as “depraved” and discussed the need for increased defense cooperation with Zelenskyy. Reports of additional missile supplies being sent to Kyiv indicate a growing support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense as the conflict with Russia continues to escalate, with Zelenskyy’s calls for NATO protection highlighting the urgent need for international support to prevent further bloodshed and facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis. As the world watches the developments in Ukraine, the importance of diplomatic efforts and strategic defense cooperation cannot be overstated in ensuring the safety and security of the Ukrainian people.
