A firm stance and a refusal to cede territoryThe NATO dossier returns to the table, alongside the challenges surrounding Putin’s talks
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that, during the latest round of talks held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, American negotiators raised the possibility of Ukraine withdrawing from the eastern Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership.
A firm stance and a refusal to cede territory
In remarks to the press on Saturday, President Zelenskyy reaffirmed his country’s firm stance: Kyiv has no intention of ceding any part of its sovereign territory. However, he indicated that if Ukraine were to receive a comprehensive security package—including genuine security guarantees, a strong and well-funded national military, and the necessary resources for extensive reconstruction—he would be prepared to put this sensitive and complex issue to the Ukrainian people in a national referendum, allowing them to have the final say.
The NATO dossier returns to the table, alongside the challenges surrounding Putin’s talks
In remarks to reporters, Zelensky stated: “The Americans posed a direct question: What if Ukraine were to join NATO? And would Ukraine withdraw from the Donbas? This was the first time such a question had been raised officially.” He added: “For this very reason, I believe the issue of Ukraine’s potential NATO membership has returned to the political and diplomatic agenda. At the same time, however, you have also heard the hints and messages coming from Russian President Vladimir Putin—factors that render the current diplomatic talks exceptionally difficult and complex.” These statements come at a time of intense, behind-the-scenes international diplomatic activity aimed at finding a political settlement to halt the bloodshed and end the ongoing conflict. Nevertheless, the parties involved remain firmly committed to their core conditions for achieving the desired regional and international peace.