After the latest round of peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that US negotiators had raised the idea of Ukraine's possible withdrawal from the Donbass in exchange for joining NATO. According to him, a connection between NATO members and the transfer of land was discussed for the first time in this negotiation. "That's why I believe that NATO is back on the agenda," Zelensky said. But you also heard Putin's signs, and this dialogue is very difficult."
Zelensky stressed that Kyiv is not ready to give up territories, but if it receives a comprehensive package that includes security guarantees, a strong and well-funded army and financial aid for reconstruction, it will put the issue to a national referendum.
He rejected Russia's demand for an agreement on a European security architecture before the end of the war and said: "First of all this war must end." Zelensky called Vladimir Putin's proposal for a local humanitarian ceasefire in Kostiantynivka an attempt to occupy the city and said that civilians had already had a chance to evacuate.
Two days of US-brokered talks between Ukraine and Russia ended Wednesday without significant progress, but the two sides agreed to an exchange of more than 1,000 prisoners. Zelensky said that the American representatives informed him that all parties agree with the presence of Europe in the future peace talks. EU leaders also agreed that the European team would consist of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and EU officials. He added that Putin personally does not support the ceasefire.