Zelenskyy Open to Cease-Fire If NATO Protects Unoccupied Ukrainian Territory

It marks the first time Zelenskyy has suggested he would accept a cease-fire in which Russia continues to control some Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses world leaders during the U.N. General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York City on Sept. 25, 2024. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he would be willing to enter a cease-fire agreement with Russia if the unoccupied parts of his nation receive NATO protection.

The embattled leader said during a Nov. 29 interview with Sky News that such an arrangement would allow Kyiv to diplomatically seek the return of its occupied lands with Russia.