For the first time, the US has raised with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy the possibility of Ukrainian troops withdrawing from the Donbas in exchange for the country’s membership of NATO. The head of state made this statement during a conversation with journalists on 13 November 2026. According to Zelenskyy, Kyiv does not agree to cede its territories to Russia, but is prepared to consider a specific package of security guarantees if it is officially proposed and confirmed by international partners. Interfax-Ukraine and Ukrinform reported on the president’s statement on 14 November.
- The US has, for the first time, asked Zelenskyy whether Ukraine is prepared to withdraw from the Donbas in exchange for NATO membership.
- Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine refuses to cede any of its territories to Russia.
- The President is prepared to discuss a possible proposal with the Ukrainian public, provided there are specific security guarantees.
- Kyiv is demanding guarantees from NATO and the EU, as well as weapons, funding for the army and funds for the country’s reconstruction.
- There is currently no official agreement on withdrawal from Donbas in exchange for NATO membership.
What exactly did the Americans propose to Zelenskyy?
According to the president, US negotiators have, for the first time, directly linked the possibility of membership Ukraine’s accession to NATO following the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas.
Zelensky He emphasised that Kyiv’s position on the territories remains unchanged. Ukraine does not agree to the transfer of its territories to Russia, and any proposals concerning territorial issues require specific conditions.
At the same time, the President did not rule out the possibility of an open discussion of such a scenario, should Western partners officially offer Ukraine a comprehensive package of security guarantees.
At present, this concerns a question raised by the US, rather than an agreed deal or an official NATO decision.
What security guarantees is Ukraine demanding?
Zelenskyy explained that, in order to consider any such proposal, Ukraine needs a comprehensive package covering not only military guarantees but also economic support.
According to the President, the package should include:
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Specific security guarantees from NATO and the European Union.
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Maintaining a strong Ukrainian army with sufficient numbers of military personnel.
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The supply of the necessary weapons and military equipment.
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Financial support for the Ukrainian armed forces during a specified period.
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Ukraine’s Prosperity Plan for recovery, with confirmed sources of funding.
The President emphasised that Kyiv is not looking for general promises, but for clearly defined mechanisms for implementing the agreements.
Separately, Zelenskyy raised the issue of American military involvement in ensuring Ukraine’s security. According to him, US representatives replied that there were no plans to station American soldiers on Ukrainian territory.
Washington It also discusses guarantees similar to the mechanisms set out in Articles 4 and 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. However, their practical implications and the extent of US commitments have not yet been defined.
Zelenskyy is ready to address the Ukrainian public
The President stated that he cannot make a decision on his own regarding the possible withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas.
If the US and other NATO partners confirm a specific proposal, Zelenskyy is ready to present it to the public and launch an open public dialogue.
At the same time, the President emphasised separately that no negotiations would involve the legal recognition of the occupied Ukrainian territories as part of Russia.
The possibility of holding a referendum is being discussed in media reports; however, in the statement quoted, Zelenskyy spoke primarily about addressing the public. No specific decision has yet been announced regarding the format of such a discussion.
Can the US guarantee Ukraine’s accession to NATO?
Even if Washington agrees to the proposed format, the decision on Ukraine’s membership does not depend solely on the United States.
Under Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty, the admission of a new state to the Alliance requires the unanimous consent of all its members. Therefore, any agreement with the US must be supported by the other allies.
Ukraine is currently continuing negotiations with the US and its European partners regarding security guarantees, military support and the country’s reconstruction. As of 14 November 2026, there has been no official proposal to exchange withdrawal from Donbas for NATO membership, and Kyiv has not announced its agreement to make territorial concessions.
