U.S. suggests Ukraine give up land for NATO membership, says Zelensky

Abu Dhabi Talks

The United States has suggested for the first time that Ukraine cede land in the eastern Donbas region in exchange for joining NATO, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Mr. Zelensky spoke to reporters on Saturday after two days of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi. The meetings included U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who also held separate discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. All sides agreed that European officials should be included in future negotiations.

Russian Rejections

Mr. Zelensky stated that Russia rejected a proposal for a ceasefire in attacks on energy targets during the Abu Dhabi talks. He also warned that Mr. Putin's proposal for a humanitarian mission to Kostiantynivka is simply a ploy to get Kyiv to withdraw from the city and allow Russian forces to occupy the entire area. Moscow's troops have pushed westwards since the invasion began in February 2022, though they have been unable to seize the whole of the Donetsk region.

Referendum Plan

Regarding the NATO proposal, Mr. Zelensky noted that if Western countries confirm specific security guarantees, he will ask Ukrainian citizens to vote on it through a referendum. He emphasized that he has no right to make such a decision alone. Meanwhile, he warned that Kremlin demands to redraw Europe's security architecture are dangerous and could lead to more wars, maintaining that the EU and NATO remain Europe's only real security.

Context

Territorial concessions remain a deeply sensitive issue in the ongoing conflict, as Russia currently occupies a large portion of Ukrainian land. Ukraine has historically sought NATO membership as a shield against future attacks, while Moscow strongly opposes further alliance expansion near its borders. Peace negotiations face severe hurdles as both sides hold firmly opposed positions on land and military neutrality.