US Suggests Ukraine Withdraw from Donbas Region in Exchange for NATO Membership, Zelenskyy Reveals

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Friday (13 November 2026) about the Russo-Ukrainian war. He said that during the recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi, the United States raised the possibility that Ukraine could withdraw from its eastern Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership. He also said that his government is negotiating with Western countries for special security guarantees. Zelenskyy told reporters, "The Americans have raised a question: What will happen if Ukraine joins NATO? Will Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?" This was the first time such a question was raised. Zelenskyy reported that the government is negotiating with NATO and the European Union (EU). When the Western countries confirm these terms, he will seek the opinion of the Ukrainian public about the proposal. He said, "After this, I will ask my Ukrainians if they think that we should accept it. Or should I say that it's not an issue to be discussed by NATO alone."