Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the United States proposed that Ukraine surrender territory to Russia in exchange for joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Zelensky disclosed this while speaking to reporters on Friday, in comments released on Saturday, adding that his government was also discussing specific security guarantees with Western countries.
He explained that the proposal involved Ukraine withdrawing from the Donbas region if it secured NATO membership. He noted that this was the first time the possibility had been raised by American officials.
The Ukrainian leader said his government was discussing specific security guarantees from NATO and the European Union (EU).
He added that if Western countries confirmed the guarantees, he would consult Ukrainians on whether to accept them, stressing that he could not make such a decision alone.
Zelensky described the proposal as dangerous, warning that changes to Europe’s security arrangements could trigger further conflicts.
He maintained that the European Union and NATO remained the continent’s main security guarantees
Meanwhile, Zelensky said Russia was committing significant resources to its winter military campaign in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
He called on the United States Congress to approve legislation providing sanctions and military assistance, arguing that such measures could pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to de-escalate the conflict.
Zelensky added that the adoption of sanctions and weapons legislation by the US Congress could encourage Putin to reduce hostilities.
