Zelensky: US floated Donbas withdrawal 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. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post and CNN Greece. According to the reports, the proposal was made during the latest round of peace negotiations with Russia held in Abu Dhabi.

Zelensky reiterated 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 side. Further details regarding the American administration's position or Russia's response have not yet been released.