Zelensky: US proposes ceding Donbas for NATO membership, referendum planned

Ukrainian President Zelensky said US negotiators proposed Ukraine cede the Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership, marking the first time the issue was raised. He stated he would call a referendum for Ukrainians to decide on any such proposal. Zelensky said the US asked what would happen if Ukraine joined NATO while withdrawing from Donbas, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk. He emphasized any agreement would not recognize occupied territories as Russian, and discussed a security package with NATO and EU guarantees. The proposal excludes US troop deployment to Ukraine, with Washington suggesting bilateral guarantees similar to Israel's. The statements follow US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11, amid tensions from Trump's recent moves toward Russia.