US Signals NATO Support for Ukraine if It Cedes Territory to Russia

The United States has signaled it would not block Ukraine's NATO membership if Ukraine cedes territory to Russia, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This marks the first time Washington has raised such a condition. Zelenskyy stated he would not decide alone on such a deal and would hold a referendum for Ukrainians. However, he drew a red line: Ukraine would not officially recognize Russian-occupied territories as Russian state territory, even if withdrawing from the Donbas. Zelenskyy also rejected neutrality for Ukraine, saying a constitutional change to that effect would not happen with him. Russia has demanded neutral status since its 2022 invasion, while US-mediated talks have raised hopes for ending the war.