Zelensky says Ukraine may agree to ceasefire with Russia without de-occupation of all territories: condition named

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that reaching a ceasefire agreement is possible if Ukraine is admitted to NATO, even without taking into account the temporarily occupied territories. He said this in an interview with Sky News, noting that the remaining occupied territories could be returned diplomatically.

Responding to a journalist's question about speculation that US President-elect Donald Trump may offer to "hand over" the occupied territories to Russia in exchange for Ukraine's NATO membership, Zelensky emphasised the importance of security for Ukrainian-controlled territory. NATO membership should cover areas of the country that remain under Ukrainian control, he said, adding that an invitation to the Alliance should recognise Ukraine's internationally recognised borders.

If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, it is necessary to bring the Ukrainian territories under our control under the NATO umbrella. This must be done quickly. Then Ukraine will be able to return the occupied territories diplomatically," Zelenskyy said.

The president also emphasised the importance of the ceasefire as a measure that guarantees that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be able to attack Ukraine again or seize new territories.

on 29 November, Reuters reported that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga called on his NATO counterparts to extend an invitation to Kiev to join the alliance at a meeting to be held next week.