A shocking proposal has reportedly emerged from US-led peace negotiations, with Ukraine being asked to consider surrendering its remaining territory in the eastern Donbas region in exchange for membership of NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed the development following recent diplomatic discussions involving US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian officials as Washington intensifies efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end.
Speaking about the negotiations, Zelensky revealed that American negotiators had raised the possibility of Ukraine withdrawing its remaining troops from Donbas if the country were offered membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
According to Zelensky, this was the first time such a proposal had been directly raised during discussions with American officials.
“The Americans raised a question: ‘What if Ukraine joins Nato? Would Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?’ This was the first time this had been raised,” Zelensky said in remarks released by his office on Saturday.
Ukraine has consistently expressed its desire to join NATO, viewing membership as a major security guarantee against future Russian aggression. However, the proposal has faced opposition from Russia, which has repeatedly argued that NATO expansion towards its borders threatens its national security.
Meanwhile, Russia currently controls most of the industrial Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, but Ukraine has maintained that it will not voluntarily surrender its sovereign territory.
Zelensky further indicated that he would be willing to present a peace proposal to Ukrainians through a national referendum if it included credible security guarantees, no restrictions on Ukraine’s military capabilities and financial support for the country’s reconstruction.
The development comes as diplomatic efforts continue to find a resolution to the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, whether the proposed territorial concession and NATO membership arrangement can become part of a final peace agreement remains uncertain.
What is your opinion on this proposed deal? Should Ukraine consider giving up part of its territory in exchange for NATO membership and long-term security guarantees, or should it continue fighting to defend its territorial sovereignty? Share your thoughts in the comment section..