US Negotiators Floated NATO Membership for Ukraine in Exchange for Donbas, Zelensky Says

United States negotiators have floated the concept of Ukraine withdrawing its remaining military forces from the eastern Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In comments released by his office on Saturday, Zelensky stated that American envoys raised the question of whether Ukraine would withdraw from Donbas if it were granted NATO membership, marking the first time the idea had been brought up in discussions. Zelensky noted that if he received a formal proposal containing robust security guarantees, no constraints on the Ukrainian military, and reconstruction funds, he would submit the option to a national referendum.

Diplomatic Talks and US Response

The remarks follow meetings in Dublin between Zelensky and US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who traveled to the Irish capital after holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. US officials have not confirmed Zelensky's characterization of the proposal. A US official told the BBC that numerous ideas remain under discussion, emphasizing that any conclusive agreement requires consent from both parties.

Hours after Zelensky's statements, Kushner urged confidentiality regarding the sensitive negotiations. He referenced reports of maximalist proposals and strong political rhetoric, describing the private discussions as efforts to explore new concepts aimed at ending the conflict. Security discussions between Ukraine, Russia, and the US were also a primary focus at recent talks in Abu Dhabi.

Russian Demands and Washington Ties

Russia currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including the majority of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. Moscow maintains that it will not agree to a ceasefire without a final peace deal incorporating Ukrainian territorial concessions in Donbas and recognition of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Kremlin officials have also repeatedly demanded limits on Ukraine's military size and guaranteed neutrality, opposing NATO expansion to its borders.

The diplomatic developments occur amid tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Relations faced friction over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities, which Donald Trump had requested be paused to help ease global fuel prices by facilitating Russian diesel supplies. Zelensky subsequently accused US officials of restricting Ukraine's Starlink internet service, while Trump publicly suggested Ukraine should hold fresh elections. Although elections are suspended under Ukrainian martial law, Zelensky has previously expressed willingness to hold votes within months of a peace agreement and stated he would step down in exchange for NATO membership.