Zelensky: US Proposed Ukraine Cede Donbas in Exchange for NATO Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that American negotiators raised the question of Ukraine’s potential withdrawal from the eastern Donbas region in exchange for its accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), following the latest round of talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi.

He stated that if Ukraine were to receive a comprehensive security package, including security guarantees, a well-funded national army, and reconstruction funds, he would put the matter to a referendum.

Zelensky told reporters on Saturday, “The Americans asked a question: What if Ukraine joins NATO? Would Ukraine withdraw from Donbas? This was the first time this question was raised.”