Ukraine's relationship with NATO 'back on the table': Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO is back on the agenda following suggestions from US negotiators. According to the South China Morning Post, ABC News AU, and KahawaTungu, US negotiators floated the idea of Ukraine withdrawing from its eastern Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership. RFI English and the Daily Times also reported that Washington suggested Kyiv cede land to Moscow in exchange for joining the alliance.

Zelensky noted that this is the first time the link between territorial concessions and NATO membership has been raised during peace talks. While the president reiterated that Kyiv is not ready to concede territory, ABC News AU and KahawaTungu report that he would put the question to a national referendum if he received a comprehensive package including security guarantees, funds for rebuilding, and the right to a strong, well-funded army.

The Daily Times reported that during recent negotiations, Russia rejected a proposed ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure. KahawaTungu noted that US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff traveled to Dublin to meet Zelensky after a round of talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Brief written by urgent.news from RFI English, South China Morning Post, Daily Times, ABC News AU, KahawaTungu — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.