Zelensky says US proposed Ukraine cede Donbas for Nato membership

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that US negotiators have floated the idea of Ukraine withdrawing its remaining forces from the eastern Donbas region in exchange for Nato membership. Zelensky told reporters on Saturday that this was the first time the proposal had been raised.

The comments come after US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff travelled to the Irish capital on Thursday to meet Zelensky, following a round of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow the day prior. The envoys also visited an EU summit in Dublin as part of ongoing efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Zelensky told reporters on Saturday, "The Americans raised a question: 'What if Ukraine joins Nato? Would Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?' This was the first time this had been raised." He noted that while the proposal made him believe that "Nato is back on the agenda", he cautioned that "You have also heard Putin's signals, and this is an extremely difficult conversation."

The Ukrainian president reiterated that Kyiv is not willing to retreat from its territory. However, he stated that if he received a proposal that contained security guarantees, no constraints on Ukraine's military and funds to rebuild the country, he would put it to a referendum.

Zelensky warned that the Kremlin's bid to change the continent's security architecture could lead to more wars. He told reporters on Friday, "This is dangerous because, in my view, it is precisely things like this that lead to wars or escalations." He further stated, "Real security in Europe means the EU and NATO. That's it. There is no other security in Europe."

While Moscow has demanded territorial concessions and neutrality, Ukraine has rejected these, arguing that such constraints would hamper its ability to stave off any future invasion. Despite these tensions, there have been recent signs the two can find common ground: last month, US First Lady Melania Trump was able to broker a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky to allow for evacuations and aid deliveries.