Zelensky says US proposed Ukraine cede Donbas for NATO membership

The US proposed that Ukraine cede the eastern Donbas region to Russia in exchange for NATO membership during recent trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, according to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky said this was the first time such an idea had been raised. Zelensky stressed Ukraine would not give up territory, but said he would put a proposal to the public if he received a comprehensive security package including a strong army and NATO guarantees. He noted specifics were still lacking, and he could not make such a decision alone. The US-brokered talks, mediated by Trump administration envoys, marked the first direct discussions between both parties in months. They were described as constructive by Zelensky and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though they ended without a major breakthrough.