Ukraine: Zelenskyy says security deal could go to referendum

The Ukrainian leader told reporters: The Americans raised a question: 'What if Ukraine joins NATO? Would Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?' Zelenskyy repeated Kyiv's position that it was not willing to cede territory to Russia.

However, he added that if the country reached a comprehensive deal, including security guarantees, a strong and well-funded Ukrainian army and funds to rebuild, he would put the question to the public in a referendum.

Security Concerns

Zelenskyy emphasized that the prospect of NATO membership in exchange for withdrawing from Donbas has not been raised before. He warned about Moscow's plan to change Europe's security architecture, saying it could lead to more conflict.

Putin has demanded that NATO pull back its troops from the Russian border, which EU leaders have strongly criticized. "This is dangerous because, in my view, it is precisely things like this that lead to wars or escalations," Zelenskyy added.

The Ukrainian president stated: "Real security in Europe means the EU and NATO. That's it. There is no other security in Europe."

Peace Talks Developments

On Friday, the EU announced that several European diplomats would take part in future Ukraine peace talks, including representatives from Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Poland. Moscow has long insisted that European states be excluded from negotiations.

The comments come as Russia's Defense Ministry reported its forces had captured the settlement of Tersianka in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. Russian forces have also struck Ukrainian energy and transport infrastructure, ammunition depots and drone production sites.

Zelenskyy warned that Putin was "betting everything" on this winter's war campaign, which Kyiv insists is aimed at hurting public morale as Russia targets power stations across Ukraine, cutting electricity and heating to millions.