Zelenskiy: U.S. proposed Ukraine ceding Donbas for NATO membership

U.S. negotiators proposed Ukraine potentially ceding the Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, marking the first time territorial concessions were linked to alliance entry during peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi. Zelenskiy said he is not ready to concede territory but would put any comprehensive package, including security guarantees and rebuilding funds, to a national referendum. He dismissed Russian calls for broader European security talks before ending the war, saying "this war must be ended first." The talks concluded Wednesday without a major breakthrough, though sides agreed to a prisoner exchange involving over 1,000 people. Zelenskiy also rejected Putin's proposed ceasefire in Kostiantynivka, saying Russia prefers using frontline settlements as military targets.