Zelensky says US proposed ceding Donbas for NATO membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States proposed Ukraine cede the Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership, marking the first time Washington raised the issue. Zelensky stated Kyiv is negotiating "specific" security guarantees from NATO and the EU, and he would seek approval from Ukrainian society before accepting any territorial agreement, as he lacks the right to decide alone. The Donbas comprises Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In August 2025, Reuters reported Putin demanded Kyiv cede all of Donbas and remain neutral, while Zelensky had sought Western security guarantee outlines within 7-10 days.