US negotiators have suggested that Ukraine cede portions of the eastern Donbas region to Russia in exchange for joining NATO, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The proposal emerged following recent peace talks between Russia and Ukraine held in Abu Dhabi and Ireland.
Territorial Concessions and NATO Membership
Zelenskyy told reporters in remarks released by his office that this marks the initial instance where linking NATO membership directly to territorial concessions has been brought up. He quoted the US proposal, stating they asked if Ukraine would withdraw from Donbas in exchange for joining the alliance.
The Ukrainian president specified that the parts of Donbas mentioned by the US side were areas currently not under Russian control, adding that he immediately rejected the idea of giving up territory. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to alter European borders and revise security guarantees, warning that such actions are dangerous and drive wars and escalations.
Moscow has consistently maintained that Ukrainian membership in NATO represents a red line, using the issue to justify the full-scale invasion launched in 2022. Zelenskyy stated that if a comprehensive package were offered—including security guarantees, military and reconstruction funds, and a recovery plan from Washington and other partners—he would submit the question regarding Donbas to a national referendum.
Referendum Conditions and Neutrality
Zelenskyy explained that he would consult Ukrainian society to determine whether the public accepts the terms if the US and NATO partners formally confirm the proposal. He emphasized that any such arrangement would strictly avoid recognizing any occupied territories as belonging to Russia.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy dismissed any prospect of Ukraine committing to neutrality, explaining that such a move would necessitate amending the national constitution. He noted that even without neutrality, the country remains outside the alliance currently.
Meanwhile, hostilities persisted despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, with both nations reporting extensive overnight attacks. Russian officials stated that approximately 1,200 Ukrainian drones targeted oil infrastructure and other sites, while Ukrainian authorities reported strikes affecting a hospital and the port of Odesa.
During a recent summit in Ireland, European Union leaders determined that Europe’s negotiation team for any future peace talks will include five major military powers—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland—alongside EU officials. These representatives will engage with US and Ukrainian counterparts, excluding direct talks with Russia.
