US suggested Ukraine cede parts of Donbas to Russia to become part of NATO

This is the first time the question of linking NATO membership to territorial concessions has been raised, Zelenskyy told reporters after the latest rounds of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi and Ireland. The Ukrainian president emphasized that the parts of Donbas the US asked about were areas Russia does not currently control.

Zelenskyy's Response

Zelenskyy firmly rejected the possibility of Ukraine committing to neutrality or ceding territory to Russia. "Putin's desire to change borders in Europe is a fact," he stated, warning that such actions "lead to wars or escalations." The president noted that requiring neutrality would necessitate changing Ukraine's constitution, which he is unwilling to do.

Referendum Possibility

Despite rejecting territorial concessions, Zelenskyy indicated he would put such a proposal to a national referendum if Ukraine received a comprehensive package including security guarantees, military and reconstruction funds, and a recovery plan from the US and other partners. He stressed that any arrangement would not involve recognizing occupied territories as Russian.

Current Situation

Putin has long cited Ukrainian NATO membership as a red line for Moscow, which he cited as one reason for launching Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, both Russia and Ukraine reported numerous overnight attacks, with Russia claiming about 1,200 Ukrainian drones were fired at the country, targeting oil infrastructure, while Ukraine reported attacks on a hospital and the port of Odesa.

At the recent EU summit in Ireland, leaders agreed that Europe's team for any Ukraine peace talks would comprise five major military powers – non-EU member Britain plus France, Germany, Italy and Poland – along with EU officials. They would hold talks with US and Ukrainian officials but not with Russia.