Zelensky ready to end conflict in exchange for NATO membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his readiness to end the "hot phase" of the conflict with Russia in exchange for Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), reported Xinhua, quoting the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Friday.

"If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to put the territory of Ukraine that is under our control under the NATO umbrella. We need to do it fast," Zelensky was cited as saying.

Later, Ukraine could get back the territories, which are now controlled by Russia, in a diplomatic way, Zelensky said.

He noted that NATO invitation should recognize Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.

Zelensky stressed that a ceasefire is necessary to guarantee that Russia "does not return" to seize more Ukrainian territory.