Zelensky: U.S. raised possibility of Ukraine withdrawing from Donbas for NATO membership at Abu Dhabi talks
American negotiators reportedly asked whether Ukraine would pull back from Donbas in exchange for NATO membership; Zelensky says Kyiv requires a full security package before any referendum.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that during recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi American negotiators raised a proposal asking whether Ukraine would withdraw its forces from Donbas in return for NATO membership.
Kyiv says it will not cede territory without guarantees
Zelensky repeated that Ukraine is not prepared to give up its territory. He nevertheless said that if Kyiv received a comprehensive security package — including security guarantees, a strong and properly financed Ukrainian army, and funds for reconstruction — he would submit the question to a referendum.
Describing the moment when the idea was first put on the table, Zelensky told reporters in a statement released today by his office: "The Americans raised the question: 'What if Ukraine joins NATO? Would Ukraine withdraw from Donbas? This was the first time such a question was asked'."
He added: "Therefore I believe NATO is back on the agenda. But you have also heard the messages of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, and this is an extremely difficult conversation."
The remarks follow talks held in Abu Dhabi between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in which international intermediaries participated. Zelensky's comments underline Kyiv's insistence that any change in territorial control would require broad security arrangements and public approval.
Photo: press material from the event
