US Asks Ukraine If It Would Trade Donbas for NATO Membership

US officials have for the first time asked whether Ukraine would be willing to give up the Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Friday, November 13. Zelensky said the Americans posed the question directly, but stressed he cannot make such a decision alone and would bring it to Ukrainian society for discussion if NATO partners confirm the proposal. He added that any deal would be without recognition of occupied territories as Russian. Zelensky also claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to change borders in Europe, citing potential discussions on Finland, Sweden, Hungary, and US presence in the Baltics. Ukraine is discussing a comprehensive security package with partners, including NATO and EU guarantees, military support, and a recovery plan.