Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky makes a speech at a meeting in Kyiv. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The Ukrainian president said his country could give up land temporarily in exchange for a “NATO umbrella” over the territory Ukraine still holds.

He added that after a ceasefire was agreed, Kyiv could “diplomatically” negotiate the return of the territory in the east that is currently under Russian control.

The comments represent a considerable shift in Ukraine’s stance. Kyiv has previously said it would continue to fight Russia until Ukraine was returned to its internationally recognized borders, including the Crimean peninsula and the eastern territories of the country.