US asked if Ukraine would give up parts of Donbas for NATO membership, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the media that Russia was wagering everything on this winter's campaign in its war with Ukraine. In comments released on Saturday, Zelenskyy disclosed that the United States had, for the first time, proposed that Ukraine cede territory to Russia in exchange for joining NATO. Russia had rejected an energy target ceasefire at talks in Abu Dhabi earlier in the week.

Zelenskyy warned that Russia's demands to redraw Europe's security architecture were dangerous and could lead to further conflicts. He spoke to the media after visits to Denmark and Ireland, where he met with European leaders following the two-day US-brokered Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi. The talks concluded without a breakthrough, but all parties agreed that European officials should be part of future negotiations.

Zelenskyy addressed a question raised by the Americans: "What if Ukraine joins NATO? Would Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?" This was the first time this scenario had been discussed. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was considering specific security guarantees from NATO and the EU, and if these were confirmed, he would consult with Ukrainian society on the matter. He emphasized that he could not make the decision alone.

During the Abu Dhabi talks, Moscow rejected a proposal for a ceasefire in attacks on energy targets. Zelenskyy stated that Russia was not interested in such an agreement. Putin's suggestion for a humanitarian mission to Kostyantynivka was seen as an attempt to persuade Kyiv to surrender the city and open the way for more Russian advances in the Donetsk region.

Zelenskyy alleged that Russia's aim was to seize Kostiantynivka and subsequently occupy the entire city. Ukrainian forces have been engaged in ongoing fighting in the region since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the European Union and NATO are the continent's only reliable security, and Russia's attempt to renegotiate Europe's security was dangerous. He argued that precisely such actions often lead to wars or escalations.