Ukrainian President Urges Security for Controlled Territories Amid Escalating Conflict
Kyiv, 30 November 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for Nato to extend security guarantees to parts of Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, suggesting such a move could end the active fighting in the ongoing war with Russia. Speaking on November 29 to Britain’s Sky News, Mr. Zelensky emphasized the urgency of placing these territories under Nato’s “umbrella” of protection to stabilize the situation and lay the groundwork for a diplomatic resolution.
“If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under Nato umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control,” Mr. Zelensky said. He indicated that regaining Russian-occupied territories, which make up nearly one-fifth of Ukraine’s land, could then be pursued diplomatically.
The remarks come as the nearly three-year conflict escalates. This week, Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, claiming it was retaliation for Ukraine’s use of US and UK-supplied missiles on Russian territory. Moscow also issued new threats to strike government buildings in Kyiv.
Call for Nato Protections
Mr. Zelensky’s proposal marks a significant shift in his strategy. While he reiterated Ukraine’s desire for full Nato membership, he appeared to consider interim measures, such as extending Nato’s collective defense guarantees to areas currently under Kyiv’s control. He insisted such guarantees are essential to prevent future Russian aggression, saying:
“If we speak ceasefire, (we need) guarantees that Putin will not come back.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine renounce its Nato ambitions as a condition for any peace deal.
Global Response and Rising Tensions
The potential for a ceasefire or peace deal has gained attention following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election earlier this month. Mr. Trump has criticized American aid to Ukraine and claimed he could resolve the conflict “within hours,” though he has not detailed how.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden’s administration has intensified military support for Ukraine, including approving the use of long-range missiles. This decision drew a sharp reaction from Moscow, which retaliated by firing a hypersonic missile at the city of Dnipro and threatening strikes on Kyiv’s government targets.
Personnel Changes Amid the Conflict
As the conflict deepens, Mr. Zelensky has made changes to Ukraine’s military leadership, appointing Major-General Mykhailo Drapaty as the new Land Forces Commander. Maj-Gen Drapaty, who previously led forces in the northeastern Kharkiv region, is expected to bring fresh approaches to defending Ukraine’s territory.
“These personnel decisions are aimed at strengthening our army, enhancing its combat readiness, and introducing new management approaches,” said Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
Continued Diplomatic Efforts
Mr. Zelensky has engaged in a series of talks with Western leaders, including Britain’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Olaf Scholz, to rally international support. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also discussed sustainable aid to Ukraine in a phone call with Ukraine’s foreign minister.
As the war escalates, the possibility of Nato guarantees remains a contentious topic, with the potential to reshape the trajectory of the conflict and Ukraine’s path to peace.