He Said He’d Never Do It – Zelensky’s Jaw-Dropping Deal With NATO and Russia!

In a surprising turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed openness to negotiating territorial concessions with Russia in exchange for security guarantees under NATO’s umbrella. His remarks mark a significant shift from his previous steadfast position to reclaim all of Ukraine’s territories, including Crimea.

“If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under [the] NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control,” Zelensky stated in an interview with Sky News. The Ukrainian leader suggested that diplomacy, rather than prolonged conflict, could be the key to regaining lost regions.

A Break From the Past

Zelensky’s latest comments diverge sharply from his earlier resolve to restore Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. Following Russia’s 2022 annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, he vowed to fight until every inch of Ukrainian soil was liberated. However, his willingness to prioritize NATO-backed protection over full territorial recovery signals a pragmatic shift amid the protracted war.

What Could NATO’s Role Look Like?

Zelensky hinted that the NATO umbrella might not entail full membership—a long-standing demand met with resistance from Russia. Instead, he proposed that member states could provide individual security assurances. However, he stopped short of confirming whether this arrangement would involve conceding additional land.

“No one has offered us to be in NATO with just one part or another part of Ukraine,” Zelensky clarified. “[It] could be possible, but no one offered.”

This nuanced stance indicates Zelensky’s focus on immediate protection from further Russian aggression while leaving room for future diplomatic solutions.

Cautious Optimism About Cease-Fire Talks

Zelensky acknowledged ongoing international efforts to mediate peace between Kyiv and Moscow but expressed skepticism about their effectiveness. He stressed that any cease-fire deal must ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin would not resume hostilities.

“We need [NATO protection] very much, otherwise [Putin] will come back,” Zelensky warned. “Otherwise, how are we going to go to a ceasefire? So for us, it’s very dangerous.”

A Week of Escalation

These comments follow a tumultuous week in the nearly three-year-long war. Ukraine launched eight U.S.-supplied long-range missiles into Russian territory, targeting ammunition depots. In retaliation, Moscow deployed hypersonic ballistic missiles, enabling Russian forces to capture 90 square miles in the embattled Donetsk region—a rapid advance unseen since the conflict began.

The escalating hostilities prompted emergency NATO talks, with Russia threatening to strike Ukraine’s “decision-making centers” in response to further provocations. Meanwhile, reports emerged that North Korea had sent 11,000 troops to bolster Russia’s forces.

Looking to the Future

Zelensky’s remarks have also drawn attention due to former President Donald Trump’s pledge to resolve the war. Both Zelensky and Putin have cautiously welcomed Trump’s promise, though it remains unclear what his approach would entail.

As the war grinds on, Zelensky’s willingness to negotiate territorial compromises underscores a potential recalibration of Ukraine’s strategy. While his focus on NATO protection reflects a practical response to Russia’s military gains, it also raises questions about the broader implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and future peace.