Washington has raised the prospect of Ukraine ceding the Donbass region in exchange for fast-tracked NATO membership, according to remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, November 13, and released on Saturday, November 14.
Speaking to journalists during an exchange whose details were placed under embargo until Saturday morning, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States suggested territorial concessions involving the eastern region located in the east of Ukraine, west of Russia, and north of the Sea of Azov.
« Les Américains ont soulevé une question : “Et si l’Ukraine rejoignait l’Otan ? L’Ukraine se retirerait-elle du Donbass ?” C’était la première fois que cette question était posée » said Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Ukrainian leader announced that Kyiv is currently in talks regarding specific security guarantees from Western allies, specifically mentioning NATO and the European Union. He stressed that he would not make such a monumental choice independently if an arrangement materialized.
« alors je demanderai à la société ukrainienne ce qu’il en pense : acceptons-nous ou non ? Je n’ai pas le droit de prendre cette décision seul »
he said, adding that he would consult his compatriots if Western nations confirm those guarantees.
During the press briefing, which followed a recent appearance in Dublin, Ireland on November 11, the president also asserted that the EU and NATO constitute the only true security for Europe, warning that the Kremlin’s attempts to alter the continent’s security architecture are dangerous and could provoke further wars or escalations.
As the conflict approaches its fifth anniversary, Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow is betting everything on its ongoing winter military campaign. He maintained that Russian President Vladimir Putin requires specific motivation to initiate a de-escalation, which he argued would be achieved through the United States Congress adopting a package encompassing sanctions and weapons.
Earlier coverage: Zelenskyy Reveals US Proposal to Swap Donbas for NATO Membership
