Ukraine: Zelenskyy says security deal could go to referendum

The US has broached the idea of Kyiv giving up the Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership, the Ukrainian president said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said US peace envoys asked whether Kyiv would withdraw from its eastern region of ‌Donbas ⁠in exchange ⁠for joining NATO , according to remarks to the media published on Saturday. The suggestion was made following the latest round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi to bring Russia's nearly 5-year war in Ukraine to a close.

The Ukrainian leader told reporters: "The Americans raised a question: 'What if Ukraine joins NATO? Would ⁠Ukraine ​withdraw from Donbas?'" Zelenskyy repeated Kyiv's position that it was not willing to cede territory to Russia. But he added that if the country reached a comprehensive deal, including security guarantees, a ‌strong ​and well-funded Ukrainian army and funds to rebuild, he would put the question ​to the public in a referendum.

"That ​is why ⁠I believe NATO is back on the ⁠agenda.