US asks Ukraine if it would leave Donbas under NATO membership, Zelensky says

The United States has for the first time asked Ukraine whether it would withdraw from Donbas if it joined NATO, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. He stated he is ready to bring the decision to public discussion if partners confirm a security package. Zelensky said on Friday, November 13, that American officials posed the question about Ukraine's potential exit from Donbas under NATO membership. He stressed Ukraine is not retreating or giving up its territories, and that Kyiv is discussing a comprehensive security package with partners. The package includes specific NATO and EU security guarantees, a strong army with sufficient troops, weapons, and funding, plus a recovery plan. Zelensky noted the US proposes guarantees similar to NATO Articles 4 and 5, but without American troops on Ukrainian soil, and he lacks the right to decide alone.