US proposes NATO membership in exchange for Ukraine's Donbas withdrawal, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the US side for the first time raised the question of whether Ukraine would withdraw its troops from the part of Donbas it controls in exchange for NATO membership. Zelensky said the question was posed during negotiations, adding that Ukraine does not retreat or give its lands to terrorists. He noted that discussions with partners cover a comprehensive security package, including specific NATO and EU guarantees, a strong Ukrainian army, and a recovery plan. Zelensky said he would consult Ukrainian society before accepting any proposal, but stressed that no concrete details have been offered yet and all matters remain under discussion. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly expressed doubts about Ukraine joining NATO soon.