Zelensky: US floated ceding Donbas for NATO membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that US negotiators raised the possibility of ceding the Donbas region in exchange for Ukraine joining NATO. According to the BBC and Maariv, Zelensky stressed that Kyiv is not willing to withdraw from its territory, but stated that if Ukraine were offered a full security package, the question could be put to a national referendum.

This marks the first time this issue has been formally raised by the Ukrainian leadership, amidst international efforts to end the conflict. Further details regarding the American administration's position or Russia's response to the proposal have not yet been released.