The United States first raised the issue of the possible withdrawal of Ukraine's armed forces from the Donbass in exchange for Ukraine joining NATO, Vladimir Zelensky said.
According to him, Kiev does not intend to give up its territories and is ready to consider only a comprehensive agreement that provides security guarantees from NATO and the European Union, the preservation of a strong Ukrainian army, the supply of weapons, financial aid and a country reconstruction program.
Zelensky emphasized that he would not make a decision on the territorial issue alone. If the United States and its allies present specific terms, he intends to submit them for discussion in Ukrainian society.
At the same time, the president expressed doubts about the reliability of guarantees similar only to Article 5 of NATO. Kiev requires clear defense mechanisms, as the bilateral agreements proposed by Washington do not provide for the deployment of American troops in Ukraine.