Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a growing interest in peace negotiations with Russia, reportedly considering a deal that would trade NATO membership for the surrender of Russian-occupied territories. The Wall Street Journal reports that Zelenskyy voiced these ideas during recent press conferences as Ukraine faces mounting challenges in its fight against Russian forces.
“If we’ll have [a] frozen conflict without any strong position for Ukraine, so Putin will come in two, three or five years,” Zelenskyy stated on Sunday, warning against short-term solutions that leave Ukraine vulnerable. The war, now in its third year, has resulted in nearly a million total casualties, with Ukraine suffering massive losses in both manpower and territory.
Estimates suggest between 60,000 and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the war began, with an additional 400,000 too injured to continue fighting. Russia currently occupies substantial portions of Eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk, Donbas, and Crimea, which has been under Russian control since 2014. According to a recent Gallup poll, more than half of Ukrainians support pursuing a negotiated peace.
Zelenskyy’s comments come as Russian forces increase their territorial gains, reversing Ukraine’s counteroffensive momentum from earlier in the year. The growing strain on Ukraine’s resources coincides with international developments, including the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to end the war quickly.
On November 17, President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-made long-range missiles, escalating tensions with Russia. In retaliation, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Defense analysts view these moves as attempts to influence Trump’s incoming administration, potentially complicating peace talks.
Trump has cautioned Putin against further escalation, reportedly emphasizing the strength of the U.S. military presence in Europe. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s suggestion of a NATO deal underscores Ukraine’s precarious position as it seeks international support while confronting the devastating toll of the ongoing war.
