Can Ukraine’s strategic balance of military strength and diplomacy prevail in reclaiming its occupied territories?
At a Glance
- Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for NATO membership to apply to all Ukrainian territories.
- Diplomatic efforts are seen as crucial despite the current military limitations.
- Reports indicate Russia’s use of North Korean soldiers in the conflict.
- Ukraine’s leadership is pushing for stronger support from international allies, including the US.
Zelenskyy’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Kicking off a conversation with Kyodo News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy laid out Ukraine’s vision for a strategic balance of military power and diplomacy in reclaiming its territories. Zelenskyy underlined that NATO membership discussions with European Council President António Costa must include all of Ukraine, not just segments, addressing NATO’s Article 5 limitations.
Zelenskyy said of the conflict that “we do have to find diplomatic solutions” in addition to military tactics.
EXCLUSIVE: Zelenskyy says Ukraine wants to retake occupied land by diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country is seeking an early end to the war with Russia and the return of part of its territory by Moscow through diplomacy after Kyiv's NATO membership…
— Kyodo News | Japan (@kyodo_english) December 2, 2024
International Challenges and Diplomatic Solutions
Zelenskyy faces formidable international challenges, such as claims that 12,000 North Korean soldiers are active in Russia’s Kursk region. He states these soldiers are used as “cannon fodder,” underscoring the dire humanitarian costs. At the same time, Zelenskyy’s ambition for NATO protection aims to facilitate dialogues that secure the return of occupied territories diplomatically.
“If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control. We need to do it fast,” Zelenskyy said.
Diplomacy takes center stage as Ukrainian-controlled territories possibly gain NATO protection, marking a precursor to talks on returning occupied areas. This approach does not hint at capitulation, but reinforces a legally bound battlefront, as Zelenskyy insists any ceded land be initially reclaimed by Kyiv and only potentially transferred through a free, fair referendum.
Strategic Goals and Diplomatic Agendas
The intricate geopolitical chessboard leads Zelenskyy to focus on a diplomatic agenda, aimed at reclaiming occupied lands while ensuring Ukraine’s international borders are recognized. Zelenskyy’s recent discussions suggest NATO membership primarily for unoccupied territories, a stopgap measure as the conflict simmers.
US relations take precedence in these plots, with Zelenskyy advocating a direct line to the incoming Trump administration.
