From Newsweek · · 1m 20s
Zelensky: U.S. Proposes Territory-for-NATO Trade-Off
U.S. asks Ukraine to withdraw from Donbas for NATO membership, Zelensky says.
In brief
U.S. asks Ukraine to withdraw from Donbas for NATO membership, Zelensky says. U.S. negotiators proposed Ukraine withdraw troops from Donbas in exchange for NATO membership, but Zelensky insists Ukraine won't recognize Russian claims to occupied territories. Originally reported by Newsweek.
U.S. Proposes Donbas Withdrawal for NATO
U.S. negotiators asked Ukraine if it would withdraw troops from eastern Donbas in exchange for NATO membership, Zelensky says.
“The Americans asked: 'If Ukraine joins NATO, will Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?'”
Zelensky Rejects Neutrality and Russian Sovereignty
Zelensky insists Ukraine won't recognize Russian claims to occupied territories or commit to neutrality, requiring constitutional changes.
“If Putin expects Ukraine’s neutrality to be enshrined, that’s not going to happen”
Trump's Previous Stance on NATO
Trump previously ruled out Ukraine joining NATO, saying they wouldn't be part of the alliance and urging European nations to defend Ukraine.
“They’re not going to be a part of NATO”
Rubio Downplays NATO Membership
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Ukraine's NATO membership requires unanimous agreement among all NATO allies and is not currently feasible.
“Right now, we’re simply focused, when it comes to Ukraine, on the ending of this conflict, if that’s possible”
Zelensky's Security Framework Proposal
Zelensky discusses a broader framework including security guarantees from NATO and EU, military funding, and postwar reconstruction funds for Ukraine.
“If the American side confirms precisely this to us, together with other nato partners, then i will ask our ukrainian society what it thinks”
Zelensky Warns of Border Changes
Zelensky warns Putin could use negotiations to weaken NATO and redraw European borders, risking war or escalation.
“Putin’s desire to change borders in Europe is a fact. I am sure this is part of his concept of revising security guarantees in Europe”
European Involvement in Talks
EU leaders agreed to send E5 nations to peace talks to secure a permanent role in negotiations with Russia.
“The best way to get Russia to the table is to keep up our support for Ukraine and to keep maximum pressure on Russia”
What it means
U.S. negotiators proposed Ukraine withdraw troops from Donbas in exchange for NATO membership, but Zelensky insists Ukraine won't recognize Russian claims to occupied territories.
