US proposes Donbass for NATO membership in Ukraine peace talks

US negotiators have proposed Ukraine ceding the Donbass region in exchange for NATO membership, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This marks the first time territorial concessions have been linked to NATO membership during peace talks. Zelenskyy stated the proposal emerged during US-mediated negotiations with Russia in Abu Dhabi, where American officials asked if Ukraine would withdraw from Donbass for NATO entry. He reaffirmed Ukraine's refusal to cede territory, though he would submit any comprehensive security package to a national referendum. The talks ended Wednesday without a breakthrough, though a prisoner exchange involving over 1,000 people was agreed. Zelenskyy rejected Putin's proposed humanitarian ceasefire for Kostiantynivka, and European leaders agreed in Dublin to include five major military powers plus EU representatives in future negotiations.