After Russia and Ukraine held a new round of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that US negotiators had floated the idea of Ukraine withdrawing its troops from the eastern Donbas region in exchange for NATO membership.
Reuters reported, citing remarks released by the Ukrainian president’s office on Saturday (14 November), that Zelensky told the media: “The Americans raised a question: ‘What if Ukraine joined NATO? Would Ukraine withdraw its troops from Donbas?’ This is the first time they have put forward such an idea.”
He said: “That is why I believe NATO is back on the agenda. But you have also heard (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's signals, and this is an extremely difficult conversation.”
Zelensky reiterated Kyiv’s position that it was unwilling to withdraw its troops from its own territory. However, he also said he would put the question to a referendum if Ukraine could secure a comprehensive security package covering security guarantees, the creation of a strong and well-funded Ukrainian army, and reconstruction funding.
