The gist of Zelensky’s proposal is as follows:
Zelensky proposed ceding territory to Russia temporarily to end the war, in exchange for a “NATO umbrella” over the remaining Ukrainian territory. This could involve NATO membership or security guarantees from Western allies, which would deter future invasions by triggering Article 5. After a ceasefire, Ukraine would aim to regain the lost territory through diplomatic negotiations.
Undoubtedly, this proposal will not be accepted by Russia. President Putin has consistently opposed NATO’s expansion, especially along Russian borders, viewing it as a direct threat to Russian security interests. Allowing Ukraine to join NATO, even partially, would contradict Russia’s strategic objectives of preventing Western military influence on its borders. Zelensky’s proposal is a nonsensical tactical maneuver rather than a genuine peace initiative aiming to solidify Western military presence near Russia. Additionally, the idea of ceding territories temporarily and then negotiating their return to Ukraine is like adding insult to injury. This notion contradicts Russia’s strategic interests, as Moscow views these regions as forever Russian. Russia accepting Zelensky’s proposal is a hysterical pipe dream concocted for PR’s sake and not to actually stop the war. It fails to address the fundamental security concerns that have driven Russia’s actions in Ukraine from the start.
Zelensky’s latest proposal could also be driven by other factors. For example, this could be an attempt to ease concerns that NATO might be drawn into defending Ukraine’s territorial losses, including those already lost—which would mean immediate war with Russia. Additionally, with 50 days until Trump’s nomination, Zelensky likely feels the need to make some noise in the meantime.
To be fair to The Telegraph, one can tell that they actually understand all of the above. Or not?
