Major U-turn in Ukraine war as Zelensky drops NATO insistence, creates hurdle for Trump envoys
Washington (The Uttam Hindu News): Amid the fierce war that has been going on between Russia and Ukraine for the last three years, a major diplomatic movement is now being witnessed. For the first time, the stance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, known for his aggressive attitude, has softened and he seems to be in a mood of compromise. Zelensky has indicated that he is ready to withdraw the demand which has been considered the biggest root of this entire war – that is, Ukraine's joining NATO. However, in return for this 'big deal', he has put forward two such conditions before America and Western countries, which could be a problem.
Zelensky shared his new strategy during a high-level meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. During this meeting, Zelensky clarified that leaving NATO membership is a major compromise on his part, but in return, he will not give up his claim on the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. It is noteworthy that Donald Trump had suggested in his peace proposals that Ukraine might have to give up the Russian-occupied territories to end the war, but Zelensky has completely rejected this proposal.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was also present during the meeting. Speaking to reporters, Zelensky clarified his position, saying that the United States and some European countries have blocked Ukraine's efforts to become a member of NATO. Therefore, if Ukraine abandons its insistence on joining NATO, it requires "ironclad" security guarantees in return. Zelensky demanded that NATO and its allies provide Ukraine with written assurances that Russia will not attack them again in the future.
Zelensky's statement could change the course of the war, as Russia has maintained from the beginning that Ukraine's joining NATO, the US-led military organization, poses a direct threat to its security. Now that Zelensky has withdrawn his NATO demand, the ball is in the West's and Putin's court. However, the question remains: whether Russia will be willing to stop the war without gaining land ownership, and whether the West will be able to provide Zelensky with the security guarantees he is demanding.