What's happened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated a shift in his approach to NATO membership, suggesting that Ukraine could accept a cease-fire in exchange for NATO protection over its current territory. This comes amid increasing pressure from the U.S. and NATO allies as the war with Russia continues.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, Zelenskyy emphasized that NATO membership must encompass all of Ukraine's territory, stating, "You can't give an invitation to just one part of a country." This sentiment is echoed in The Independent, which highlights the need for clear borders before NATO can extend membership. Meanwhile, AP News notes that Zelenskyy's proposal to place currently held territories under NATO protection could be a strategic move to secure a cease-fire, although it raises concerns about the potential for a divided Ukraine. The conflicting views among sources illustrate the complexity of Ukraine's NATO aspirations amidst ongoing conflict.
How we got here
Since the onset of the war in 2022, Ukraine has sought NATO membership as a means of securing its sovereignty. However, ongoing territorial disputes complicate this goal, as NATO requires clear borders for mutual defense commitments.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
-
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
-
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
-
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.