Zelensky Hints at Peace Deal With Parts of Ukraine Remaining Under Putin’s Control

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a ground-breaking strategy to end the active phase of the war with Russia. Speaking to Sky News, Zelensky suggested that NATO could offer immediate membership protection to areas of Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control while reclaiming Russian-occupied territories through diplomatic means rather than military action.

“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,” Zelenskyy said. “Then Ukraine can return the other part of its territory diplomatically.”

Ukraine has recovered much of the territory captured by Russia in the February 2022 invasion, but Russia is again gaining ground (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

This marks a shift in Ukraine’s approach, as Zelensky noted that no official offer of such a solution had ever been made to Kyiv before. However, the proposal hinges on NATO membership, a

Ukraine’s defence capabilities have grown significantly, with its burgeoning drone industry producing uncrewed aerial vehicles capable of targeting Russian tanks, naval vessels, and weapons factories. Western allies like the UK and the US have also permitted Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike military targets within Russia’s borders.

Ukraine’s energy infrastructure becomes a target for Russian missiles in winter when temperatures are below freezing (Picture: Gleb Garanich/Reuters)

Despite these advancements, Zelensky argued that Western support often comes “too little, too late.” Russia has entrenched itself behind fortified defences in the eastern and southern regions, making Ukrainian counteroffensives costly and, in many cases, ineffective.

Now, Russia has ramped up its offensive, boosting weapons production, recruiting North Korean troops, and making gains along the frontlines. Ukraine, meanwhile, faces difficulties replenishing its workforce and defending against intensifying attacks on civilian infrastructure. Russian missile strikes, particularly on energy facilities, have left millions of Ukrainians without heat, further testing their resilience.

With Donald Trump expected to return as U.S. President in January, Zelensky faces increasing pressure. Trump is likely to cut military funding for Ukraine and push for a peace deal that could involve territorial concessions.

Russia has retaliated against Ukraine’s use of Western-supplies missiles to strike military targets in Russia by raining drones and missiles on Ukrainian cities (Picture: Pavlo Zarva/Kordon.Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Zelensky has rejected such a notion, emphasising that NATO membership must cover Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. “You can’t give an invitation to just one part of a country,” he said.

Last month, Zelensky unveiled a vision for victory, which he believes could be achieved next year. His plan includes NATO membership, ongoing use of Western-supplied long-range missiles, a refusal to cede any territory, and continued Ukrainian incursions into Russia’s Kursk region.

While Ukraine has made some territorial gains, Russian-backed forces, including North Korean troops, are pushing back in the Kursk region. Zelensky believes any ceasefire agreement must guarantee long-term security to prevent future Russian aggression.

Ukraine has struggled to hold back the rapid advance of Russian forces in areas like Toretsk Donetsk in recent months (Picture: Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

“Immediate NATO protection of Ukrainian-held territory is needed very much; otherwise, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin will come back,” Zelensky warned.

As the conflict reaches a critical juncture, Ukraine’s future may depend on its ability to secure NATO backing and resist mounting pressure for concessions. Time is running out, and the world is watching how this pivotal chapter in the war unfolds.