# US proposed Ukraine cedes Donbas in exchange for joining NATO, Zelensky says

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/us-proposed-ukraine-cedes-donbas-in-exchange-for-joining-nato-zelensky-says/
- Published: 2026-11-14T10:30:04+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-14T11:22:20+00:00
- Original publisher: France 24 (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261114-us-negotiators-suggest-ukraine-cedes-territory-in-exchange-for-nato-membership
- Topics: Americas, Europe, Geopolitics, Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- US negotiators raised a Donbas withdrawal in exchange for NATO membership.
- Zelensky says Ukraine will not retreat from its territory.
- A referendum would depend on strong security guarantees and rebuilding support.

## Summary

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says US negotiators raised the possibility of Ukraine withdrawing from Donbas in exchange for joining NATO. The proposal matters because it links a territorial concession to Ukraine’s future security arrangements, while Kyiv says it will not retreat from its land.

Zelensky said the question was raised after the latest round of peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi. He said he would put the matter to a referendum only if Ukraine received comprehensive security guarantees, a strong, well-funded army and rebuilding funds. He also called the EU and NATO Europe’s only real security, warning that changes to the continent’s security system could bring further conflict.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.