In a bold move to de-escalate the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed that Ukraine join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a condition to end the \"hot phase\" of the war with Russia, according to reports by Interfax-Ukraine on Friday.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to bring the territories under Ukrainian control under the NATO umbrella swiftly. \"If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to put the territory of Ukraine that is under our control under the NATO umbrella. We need to do it fast,\" he stated.
The Ukrainian leader outlined that, following NATO membership, Ukraine could diplomatically reclaim territories currently held by Russia, provided that NATO's invitation acknowledges Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. He stressed that a ceasefire is essential to prevent further Russian territorial expansion.
Meanwhile, Russia has maintained a low-profile stance in response to Zelenskyy's proposal. The Kremlin has yet to issue a formal reaction. However, Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, took to his Telegram channel to voice opposition, stating, \"Moscow will no longer allow Western countries to arm Kyiv under the guise of an agreement.\"
Slutsky urged Ukrainian politicians to abandon their aspirations to join NATO, asserting that such a move is pivotal for progress, not for ending the war. \"The idea of freezing the conflict is also unacceptable,\" he added.
In related developments, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that by fall 2024, Russian forces have liberated 88 settlements across the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporozhye, Kharkiv, and Kursk regions, following a Ukrainian incursion earlier this year.
Reference(s):
Zelenskyy puts NATO membership condition for ceasefire with Russia
cgtn.com
