Zelensky outlined the key condition for swiftly ending the "hot" phase of the war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly stated that it is possible to conclude the "hot" phase of the war in Ukraine. Such an opportunity will arise for Kyiv if the non-occupied territories of Ukraine join NATO. Under these conditions, the country will eventually be able to return the lands seized by the Russian Federation through diplomatic means. In the president's view, action must be taken swiftly.

Regarding Ukraine's potential to end the war, Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed this in an interview with Sky News. Responding to a question about the plans of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump to stop the war in exchange for Ukraine's accession to NATO, Zelensky added that the North Atlantic Alliance should make such an offer to the territories controlled by Kyiv, provided that the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine are acknowledged through an invitation to NATO. In this case, the "hot" phase of the war can be concluded. Zelensky agreed that the eastern territories of Ukraine currently under Russian control would not be included in NATO temporarily.

"If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to bring the territory of Ukraine under our control under NATO's umbrella. We need to do this quickly. And then Ukraine can return the occupied territories through diplomatic means," the president added.

The head of state stated that halting military actions is essential to "ensure that Putin does not return." He also emphasized that NATO must urgently cover the part of Ukraine under Kyiv's control, because otherwise "Putin will come back."

Peace for Ukraine - what could it look like

The plan presented by the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, proposes a ceasefire, freezing the front, and demilitarization as a means to "achieve peace through strength." However, experts warn that these steps are unlikely to guarantee lasting peace. As reported by CNN, Kellogg's proposal appears to challenge diplomacy and has already received mixed assessments.

Previously, the winner of the U.S. presidential elections, Donald Trump, stated that to achieve peace, it is necessary to initiate direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. Trump does not seek to prolong the military conflict but wants to stop it by any means necessary.

The future Trump administration is already working on options to end the war in Ukraine. Journalists note that the efforts to formulate proposals are ongoing. Currently, the main options are as follows: Kellogg's idea, Grenell's idea of creating a number of "autonomous regions" in Ukraine. However, there is also the strong possibility of Ukraine's accession to NATO in exchange for territories.