Zelenskyy: US asked whether Ukraine would withdraw from Donbas in return for NATO membership

US negotiators have asked for the first time whether Ukraine would withdraw from Donbas if it joined NATO, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists, Reuters reported, as cited by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). His statement was published by his office, BTA reported, citing Reuters. The agency links his remarks to the previous round of peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi.

Public consultation conditional on concrete guarantees

“The Americans raised the question: ‘What if Ukraine joins NATO? Will Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?’ This was the first time this question had been raised,” Zelenskyy said, according to the statement carried by BTA.

The president reiterated that Kyiv was not willing to withdraw from its own territory. At the same time, he said he would seek the views of the Ukrainian public if partners offered comprehensive security guarantees. BTA describes the proposed consultation as a referendum.

According to Zelenskyy’s account, these guarantees include concrete commitments from NATO and the EU, a strong and well-funded Ukrainian army, and reconstruction funding. In remarks carried by RADOR, the news agency of Romanian public radio, he said he had no right to make such a decision alone. Concrete terms, which are still under discussion, are needed first.

What support for the army is being discussed

Zelenskyy’s account, also published by the Polish defence and security portal Defence24, makes clear that the discussions cover the size of Ukraine’s army, its weapons and financial support for a specified period. He also points to a reconstruction plan with clearly identified sources of funding, without giving specific figures or timelines.

In Flank’s assessment, the sequence of implementation would be crucial to Ukraine’s security: whether the guarantees would take effect before any withdrawal and what support would be provided if they were breached. The promise of future membership alone does not answer these questions. Without an answer, the risk to Ukraine’s defence cannot be assessed.

A conditional question is not an agreed deal

Zelenskyy’s account describes a conditional question put forward by US negotiators, not a finalised proposal with agreed terms. At the time of publication, Flank has not found an official US statement on the substance and status of this idea.

A military withdrawal and legally relinquishing territory are different actions and should not be conflated. The stated willingness to seek public opinion does not amount to consent to a withdrawal either.

This is a developing story and further information may be added.