Zelensky says US floated Donbas trade for NATO

US proposal during recent talks

Zelensky told reporters on Saturday that American officials raised a specific question about territorial withdrawal. He asked if Ukraine would pull back from Donbas to join the alliance. This discussion occurred after a round of peace negotiations held in Abu Dhabi this week. The president noted this was the first time such a trade had been explicitly floated.

Security conditions and referendum plan

Kyiv remains unwilling to retreat from its sovereign territory under any circumstances. Zelensky explained he would put the issue to a referendum if security guarantees arrived. These guarantees must include a strong army, rebuilding funds, and no military constraints. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visited Dublin on Thursday to meet with him.

Russian stance and diplomatic context

Moscow continues to demand neutrality and territorial concessions as conditions for any peace deal. At present, Russian forces hold approximately one-fifth of Ukraine's land, encompassing the majority of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. US officials previously stated that NATO membership was off the table before this report. Zelensky believes NATO is back on the agenda despite these difficult conversations.