For The First Time, The U.S. Asked Zelenskyy Whether The Ukrainian Armed Forces Would Withdraw From Donbas In Exchange For NATO Membership

• 14.11.2026, 12:52

What did the President of Ukraine say?

The U.S. asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy whether Ukraine was prepared to withdraw from Donbas in exchange for NATO membership. The Ukrainian leader made this statement on November 14 during a conversation with journalists, according to UNIAN.

According to him, the U.S. side raised the question for the first time: “If Ukraine joins NATO, will Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that he has repeatedly stated: his country will not cede its territory. Kyiv is currently discussing a comprehensive security package with its partners, which includes weapons, temporary financial support, and a plan for the country’s reconstruction, according to the Ukrainian leader’s remarks as reported by “Interfax-Ukraine.”

“If the American side confirms this to us, along with our other NATO partners, then I will ask our people for their opinion: do we accept it or not?” the Ukrainian president stated.

At the same time, he emphasized that there can be no question of recognizing the occupied territories as Russian.