US Raised NATO Membership for Ukraine in Exchange for Withdrawal From Donbas for First Time — Zelenskyy

The United States has suggested for the first time that Ukraine could join NATO if it withdraws its forces from Donbas, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. However, no concrete proposal has been made yet, according to UATV English. Zelenskyy also discussed other war-related matters, including security guarantees and diplomatic efforts.

He mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is personally against an energy ceasefire, implying Russia is not willing to support a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy warned that Russia is using the excuse of evacuating residents to persuade Ukrainian forces to withdraw from Kostiantynivka, with the ultimate goal of capturing the city.

This would then allow Russia to take Kramatorsk and Sloviansk next. On Ukraine's air defense situation, Zelenskyy expressed the need to double the number of F-16 fighter jets in the air. He also dismissed the idea of enshrining Ukraine's neutral status in the Constitution, reaffirming that Ukraine will not accept such a commitment.

Regarding European involvement in possible peace talks, Zelenskyy suggested that EU or NATO leaders, or leaders from several European countries, could represent the continent. He also reported that progress has been made on the FREYJA air defense system, noting that a Ukrainian missile and a Danish radar for the system are now operational.