US Raises Donbas Withdrawal for Ukraine NATO Entry
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that American negotiators raised the possibility of Ukraine withdrawing from the Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership. Speaking to journalists on Friday, November 13, Zelenskyy said the proposal was discussed for the first time during recent US-brokered peace negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Zelenskyy Rejects Surrendering Ukrainian Territory
Zelenskyy maintained that Ukraine would not surrender its territory to Russia but acknowledged that a comprehensive agreement involving NATO membership could be presented to the Ukrainian public.
He said any arrangement would require credible security guarantees from NATO and the European Union, continued military assistance and financial support for reconstruction.
The Ukrainian president stressed that he could not independently decide on territorial concessions and would consult citizens if Western governments presented a concrete proposal.
No formal agreement has been announced, and Washington has not publicly confirmed the arrangement.
Russia Rejects Energy Ceasefire at Abu Dhabi Talks
The latest developments follow two days of US-mediated negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Abu Dhabi.
Zelenskyy said Moscow rejected a proposal to suspend attacks on energy infrastructure, raising concerns ahead of winter.
He also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of using a proposed humanitarian mission in Kostiantynivka as a means of securing Ukrainian military withdrawal from the contested city.
Russia has claimed control of Kostiantynivka, while Ukraine maintains that fighting continues.
NATO Membership Remains Major Peace Negotiation Issue
American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in the Abu Dhabi discussions before holding separate meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy.
Although negotiations produced no major breakthrough, the parties agreed that European representatives should participate in future discussions.
Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s demands to reshape Europe’s security arrangements could create further instability.
