Zelensky warns against US security plan as Ukraine refuses to concede Donbas

Donbas and NATO membership

Zelensky said Washington had raised the possibility of Ukraine withdrawing from areas of Donbas that Russia does not control if Ukraine joined NATO. He reiterated that Kyiv would not give up its territory.

Ukraine is discussing a broader security package with partners, including possible NATO and European Union guarantees, military and financial support, and a recovery plan. Zelensky said he would ask Ukrainian society whether to accept any proposal if the United States confirmed its terms with other NATO partners.

Wider European security debate

The United States has floated a new European security framework in talks on ending the invasion, Zelensky said. He warned that Moscow could use broader discussions to shift attention away from ending the war and seek changes to NATO’s military presence, including the withdrawal of American troops.

European leaders have said that Europeans must decide matters concerning the continent’s security. Zelensky said the sequence should be a ceasefire, an end to the war, and security guarantees for Ukraine, adding that European security cannot be assured without Ukraine.

Negotiations and other concerns

Ukraine’s priorities in Abu Dhabi included an energy ceasefire, reopening the Black Sea, prisoner releases, and preparing a leaders’ meeting. Zelensky said Russia’s delegation lacked authority to decide ceasefire questions and that negotiators were directed to take them to Vladimir Putin.