US suggests Ukraine cede Donbas for NATO membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed that US negotiators proposed Ukraine's potential withdrawal from its eastern Donbas region in exchange for joining NATO. This suggestion was made during recent peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi. Zelenskiy stated that this was the first time the issue of linking NATO membership to territorial concessions had been raised in discussions.

Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine is not prepared to concede territory. However, he mentioned that if a comprehensive package including security guarantees, a strong and well-funded Ukrainian army, and reconstruction funds were offered, he would put the matter to a national referendum. Russian President Vladimir Putin has long opposed Ukrainian membership in NATO, citing it as a reason for Russia's invasion in 2022.

Zelenskiy dismissed Russia's call for a broad agreement on European security architecture before discussing how to end the war in Ukraine. He stressed that the war must be ended first, echoing comments made by European leaders at a summit in Dublin. Zelenskiy also rejected Putin's suggestion for a local humanitarian ceasefire in Kostiantynivka, a contested city in eastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president accused Putin of wanting to use a ceasefire to occupy Kostiantynivka. Zelenskiy stated that civilians in the city had already had the opportunity to evacuate. Ukraine has proposed a humanitarian truce in several other frontline settlements where civilians, including children, are trapped, but Russia prefers to use them as military targets.

US-brokered talks between Ukraine and Russia concluded in Abu Dhabi without a major breakthrough. However, the sides agreed to a prisoner exchange involving over 1,000 people. The final numbers for the prisoner swap were still under discussion. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff had pledged to raise an energy ceasefire with Putin, but there was no news of progress.

Zelenskiy met with Kushner and Witkoff in Ireland, where they reportedly agreed that Europe would have a seat at the negotiating table in forthcoming peace talks. EU leaders have agreed that Europe's team for any Ukraine peace talks would comprise five major military powers and EU officials. Kushner stated that the US focus was now on facilitating direct engagement between Moscow and European partners.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic impacts. Zelenskiy reiterated that Ukraine will not compromise on its territorial integrity. The international community continues to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Key points

• US suggests Ukraine cede Donbas for NATO membership
• Ukraine rejects Russia's call for a broad European security agreement
• Prisoner exchange agreed between Ukraine and Russia