US floated idea of Ukraine swapping land for NATO membership, Zelensky says
The United States floated the idea of Ukraine ceding the eastern Donbas region to Russia in exchange for NATO membership during recent talks, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. Zelensky told journalists Friday that US negotiators had put the question and that it was the “first time” such a proposal has been raised. Russia’s President … The post US floated idea of Ukraine swapping…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that the United States proposed the idea of Ukraine giving up the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for NATO membership during recent negotiations. This was the first time the proposal had been raised. Zelensky stated that Ukraine would not relinquish territory but would consider a proposal with a comprehensive security package, including a strong Ukrainian army and guarantees from NATO and the European Union.
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor suggested that NATO membership could provide the security guarantee Ukraine needs to accept a ceasefire, but noted that the offer is not solely within the US's control as it requires the unanimous consent of all NATO member states. US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Zelensky expressed skepticism about the idea of new European security infrastructure, stating that it should only be discussed after a ceasefire and the end of Russia's war with Ukraine. He welcomed the possibility of European countries participating in future peace negotiations but emphasized the need for agreement and involvement from European nations.
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