Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says U.S. negotiators have proposed NATO membership in exchange for withdrawing from Donbas, a region in eastern Ukraine. The proposal, first raised during talks in Abu Dhabi, is part of broader discussions on security and the war's end. Zelenskyy says Ukraine is not ready to concede territory but could consider a referendum if offered comprehensive security guarantees.
Zelenskyy confirmed the U.S. raised the question of linking NATO membership to territorial concessions for the first time. He emphasized that Ukraine would not withdraw troops but could put the issue to a public vote if given firm security assurances, funding for the military, and reconstruction support. The proposal includes specific guarantees from NATO and the EU, along with a recovery plan backed by identified funding sources.
Zelenskyy stressed that any deal would not recognize the occupied territories as Russian. He also dismissed Russia's push for a humanitarian ceasefire in Kostiantynivka, calling it a tactic to avoid direct confrontation. Despite renewed talks, progress remains limited, with Europe set to play a key role in future negotiations. The U.S. and Russia have yet to agree on a concrete path forward for ending the conflict.