Donbass for NATO? Zelensky: It can be submitted to a referendum

According to Ukrainian President Zelensky's speech to the media released on Saturday (November 14), he said that the US "peace envoy" asked whether Kyiv was willing to withdraw from the eastern Donbas region in exchange for joining NATO.

The issue comes after the latest round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi. This round of peace talks aims to end Russia's nearly five-year war in Ukraine.

"The Americans asked the question: 'What will happen if Ukraine joins NATO? Will Ukraine withdraw from Donbas?'" the Ukrainian leader told reporters.

Zelensky reiterated that Kyiv is unwilling to cede territory to Russia. But he added that he would put the issue to a referendum if Ukraine reached a comprehensive deal that included security guarantees, a strong and well-funded Ukrainian army and reconstruction funds.

"That's why I think NATO is back on the agenda. But you also heard the signal from Putin that this is an extremely difficult conversation."

Zelensky said that the idea of withdrawing from Donbas in exchange for joining NATO has never been raised before.

He also warned that Moscow planned to change the continent's security architecture, which could lead to more conflicts.

Putin's demand for NATO to withdraw troops from Russia's borders was strongly criticized by EU leaders.

Zelensky added: "This is dangerous because in my opinion it is precisely this kind of thing that can lead to war or escalation."

"Real security in Europe means the EU and NATO. That's it. There is no other security in Europe."

The European Union said on Friday (November 13) that European diplomats from several countries, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Poland, will participate in future Ukraine peace talks.

Moscow has long insisted on excluding European countries from negotiations, citing their support for Ukraine.

Zelensky's remarks came as Interfax reported that the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russian troops had captured the village of Tersianka in Zaporozhye Oblast in southeastern Ukraine.

The Interfax news agency quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying that the Russian military attacked energy and transportation infrastructure used by the Ukrainian military, as well as ammunition depots and drone production and storage sites.

Russia has attacked power stations across Ukraine with waves of ballistic and cruise missiles, leaving millions without power and heat as temperatures plummet.

Zelensky warned that Putin was betting "everything" on a war offensive this winter. Kiev said that Russia’s move was aimed at damaging public morale.