Zelenskyy proposes Ukraine's NATO membership option

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged that NATO's collective defence principle under Article 5 may not immediately apply to Ukrainian territories currently embroiled in active conflict, underscoring the complexities surrounding Ukraine's push to join the alliance.

"We understand that Article 5, when you're a member of NATO, cannot apply to the entire territory of Ukraine during wartime, as countries are against the risks of being drawn into the war," Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Antonio Costa, the new President of the European Council. His comments alluded to the occupied territories in Ukraine's eastern regions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Zelensky's remarks come as Kyiv continues to advocate for a formal invitation to join NATO. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized Ukraine's urgency in a statement earlier this week, writing, "We believe that the invitation should be extended at this stage." The NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting on Dec. 3-4 is expected to address the issue.

Earlier, Zelenskyy proposed a phased approach to NATO membership, suggesting that territories under Ukraine's current control could fall under NATO's protection, while occupied regions could be addressed diplomatically.

"If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should quickly take under NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control," Zelenskyy said during an interview published on Nov. 29. "That's what we need to do first, and then Ukraine can get back the other parts of its territory in a diplomatic way."

However, Zelenskyy clarified on Dec. 1 that such a strategy would not imply abandoning any part of Ukraine. "There cannot be an invitation to NATO for only part of Ukraine's territory. This would automatically mean recognizing that all other territories are not only at risk but also not Ukrainian. Therefore, Ukraine will never agree to this. If there is an invitation, it must include all of Ukraine's territories."

Ukraine's NATO ambitions are further complicated by the impending transition of power in the United States, with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January. Trump’s past remarks have raised doubts about the US commitment to NATO, with statements like, "I would let Russia do whatever the hell they want" to NATO member countries not meeting defence spending targets.

In response, Zelenskyy called on the Biden administration to secure broader NATO support for Ukraine in the final months of Joe Biden's presidency. "We urge President Biden and his administration to use these last weeks to convince sceptical allies that Ukraine’s membership is essential for the alliance’s strength and security," Zelenskyy said.

The uncertainty surrounding US policy has reportedly led some NATO members to seek long-term safeguards for Ukraine. Efforts to "Trump-proof" NATO’s support have included reinforcing commitments to collective defence and maintaining aid to Ukraine, even under a potentially less supportive US administration.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains resolute in its aspirations. Kyiv submitted its NATO application in September 2022, and Zelenskyy reiterated that the invitation must be unequivocal. "We seek not just security guarantees but the firm assurance of NATO membership," he said. "The entire territory of Ukraine must be recognized within the alliance."

The upcoming NATO meeting is seen as a critical test of the alliance’s resolve to address Ukraine’s future while balancing the risks posed by an ongoing war.