Close Zelensky Says Ukraine Could Temporarily Cede Territory in Exchange for NATO Membership

Close Zelensky Says Ukraine Could Temporarily Cede Territory in Exchange for NATO Membership

KAZAN, RUSSIA - In a stunning development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hinted that his country may be willing to temporarily cede territory in exchange for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The statement came as a surprise to many international observers, raising questions about Ukraine's long-term commitment to its European allies. According to sources close to the Ukrainian leadership, President Zelensky believes that temporary territorial concessions could be a necessary step towards achieving NATO membership.

Meanwhile, in Russia, Ukrainian forces launched a major drone attack on the city of Kazan yesterday, despite being over 1,000 kilometers from the frontline. The attack damaged residential buildings and temporarily shut down the airport after a drone smashed into a high-rise building and damaged a skyscraper.

Video footage released by Russian social media networks showed extensive damage and a fireball emerging from the building, while local authorities reported no casualties. Ukrainian air defenses were reportedly able to down 52 of 103 Russian drones launched overnight, but lost track of 44 others, including one that strayed into Belarusian territory.

Separately, pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine have captured the village of Kostiantynopolske in the Donetsk region, just six miles from the besieged city of Kurakhove. The Ukrainian military confirmed that they were under attack but were unsure about the accuracy of this claim.

This latest escalation comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, with pro-Russian forces storming key cities in eastern Ukraine and threatening to encircle others. The international community remains deeply concerned about the implications of a prolonged and bloody conflict, which has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions more.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week doubled down on his support for the war, stating that he should have invaded Ukraine earlier, sparking widespread criticism from Western leaders who remain opposed to an escalation of hostilities.