In a revealing interview with Sky News, President Zelensky outlined conditions under which he might accept NATO membership, responding to ongoing international discussions regarding Ukraine's security and territorial integrity. He emphasized that any future NATO membership must encompass all of Ukraine within its recognized borders, including areas currently under Russian control. “We need a guarantee from NATO to effectively ensure our security,” he stated, highlighting the dangers of ceasefires without enforceable mechanisms against further aggression from Russia.

Zelensky dismissed the notion of partial NATO membership, fearing it would legitimize the partition of Ukraine and implicitly endorse Russia's claims. He reaffirmed that discussions of a bifurcated NATO membership model have circulated in Western discourse but have yet to materialize into formal proposals. The President framed NATO's support as essential to mitigating the risk of renewed hostilities if peace is assumed without solid guarantees.

With the future of Ukraine's territory uncertain, Zelensky remains hopeful that strong commitment from international allies could lead to a resolution within the year. However, he voiced skepticism regarding Russia's willingness to compromise, suggesting that President Vladimir Putin shows no interest in recognizing Ukraine's sovereignty over its lost territories.

As Ukraine battles energy infrastructure destruction following Russian attacks, the prospect of NATO engagement remains a contentious yet vital part of the discourse surrounding the conflict's resolution.