Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the United States has proposed a deal where Kyiv would cede the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for NATO membership. The suggestion, according to Zelenskyy, was made during discussions aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Donbas region, a contested area in eastern Ukraine, has been a focal point of the conflict since 2014.
The US reportedly suggested that Ukraine withdraw from parts of the Donbas region to gain NATO membership. Zelenskyy described the proposal as part of a broader effort to establish a new European security framework. He warned that such discussions could be used by Moscow to weaken NATO and alter the continent’s borders.
Zelenskyy also stated that Russia is “betting everything” on its winter campaign in Ukraine. He emphasized that the Kremlin’s demands to reshape Europe’s security architecture are “dangerous” and could lead to more wars. The Ukrainian leadership has consistently opposed territorial concessions, viewing them as a violation of national sovereignty.
The proposal comes amid ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Moscow insisting on controlling parts of Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted that Russia has rejected the idea of foreign peacekeeping troops in the country. The situation highlights the complex diplomatic challenges surrounding Ukraine’s path to NATO membership.
