This weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stunned allies by offering to set aside Kyiv’s long-held NATO membership goal in exchange for robust security guarantees from the United States and European partners. The move, aimed at accelerating peace efforts, marks a significant shift in strategy.
Ahead of high-stakes talks in Berlin with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are advocating a White House–backed plan to end the conflict, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Russia’s firm opposition to NATO expansion makes membership unlikely for the foreseeable future.
In a compromise gesture, he said Kyiv is seeking bilateral security commitments under Article 5 from the United States, alongside similar guarantees from Canada, Japan and key European allies. He described the proposal as a major concession designed to unlock progress at the negotiating table.
On territorial issues, Zelenskyy expressed willingness to discuss a ceasefire that freezes current front lines—a solution he called the fairest possible option—while admitting that Russia may view the idea unfavorably. He emphasized his hope that the United States will back Ukraine’s position.
Earlier this week, Kyiv submitted a revised peace proposal to Washington after consulting European leaders. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is still awaiting a response but stands ready to engage in detailed talks.
Diplomatic efforts continue even as the fighting rages on. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, its air defenses shot down four guided bombs and 290 fixed-wing drones over the past 24 hours. Russian forces also struck fuel depots and temporary deployment sites at 142 locations, claiming control of the village of Varvarovka in the Zaporizhzhia region and pushing deeper into Ukrainian defenses.
As Berlin talks get under way, all eyes are on whether Kyiv’s offer can bridge the gap with Moscow’s demands and secure the lifeline Ukraine needs to defend its sovereignty.
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Ukraine offers to drop NATO membership demands for security guarantees
cgtn.com
