Zelensky's NATO Pitch: Umbrellas, Diplomacy, and a Whole Lot of Doubts
In a bold move straight out of the "Why not ask?" playbook, President Volodymyr Zelensky has floated the idea of bringing unoccupied Ukraine under NATO's protective umbrella to cool the "hot phase" of the war.
The catch? He's only on board if NATO membership is extended to all of Ukraine - yes, even the parts currently under Russian control. Because, hey, go big or go home, right?
In a candid interview, Zelensky explained his vision: first, NATO officially invites Ukraine into the club, borders and all. Then, Ukraine would diplomatically negotiate the return of territories now in Russian hands.
Easy, right? Except, you know, for the part where NATO would have to agree - something that seems as likely as a sunny day in a Kyiv winter.
"Ukraine has never considered this proposal," Zelensky clarified, "because no one has officially offered it to us." Translation: it's hard to RSVP when you don’t get an invite.
While the idea of NATO umbrella coverage sounds great in theory, the practicalities remain murky. For now, Zelensky's pitch might be more of a diplomatic conversation starter than a realistic strategy. But, as with all things in geopolitics, stranger things have happened.