U.S. negotiators ask Ukraine about Donbas withdrawal in NATO talks, Zelensky says
President Zelensky said U.S. officials raised the possibility of Ukraine ceding the Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership, and he would consider a national referendum if a comprehensive security package were offered.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said U.S. negotiators raised the question of whether Ukraine would withdraw from the Donbas region if it were to join NATO during the latest peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi. He told reporters that this was the first time such a link between NATO membership and territorial concessions had been discussed at the talks.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is not prepared to give up territory, but he indicated that a national referendum could be held if a "comprehensive package" were offered, including security guarantees, a well-funded army and reconstruction funds.
He rejected the notion of postponing an end to the war to first reshape the European security architecture, saying the conflict must be resolved before any broader security framework is debated.
Zelensky also dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a local humanitarian ceasefire in the contested city of Kostiantynivka, arguing it was intended to facilitate Russian occupation. He noted that Ukraine has identified several other frontline settlements where civilians are trapped, but Russia views them as military targets.
The U.S.-brokered talks concluded without a major breakthrough, though the parties agreed on a prisoner exchange involving more than 1,000 individuals, with final numbers still under discussion. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had sought an energy ceasefire with Putin, but Zelensky said Putin personally opposes a ceasefire.
European leaders met in Abu Dhabi and later in Ireland, agreeing that Europe would have a seat at future peace negotiations, with a team comprising Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Poland alongside EU officials.