Joining NATO in exchange for giving up Donbass? Zelenskyj reports on explosive advances by the USA

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, the United States has offered Ukraine NATO membership in return for relinquishing territory.

"The Americans raised a question: 'What if Ukraine joined NATO? Would Ukraine withdraw from Donbass?' This was the first time this question was asked," Zelensky told reporters on Friday in remarks that were under embargo until Saturday.

The Ukrainian president added that Kiev was discussing “specific security guarantees from NATO and the EU.” If these were agreed as part of an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, he would let the Ukrainians vote on it. “I don’t have the right to make this decision alone,” Zelensky said. Such a package would have to include concrete assurances from NATO and the EU, a well-financed Ukrainian army and support for reconstruction.

Zelensky called the change in the security architecture in Europe sought by Russian President Vladimir Putin “dangerous.” According to him, this could lead to new wars. "Real security in Europe means the EU and NATO. That's all. There is no other security in Europe," said the Ukrainian head of state.

Ukraine rejects neutral status

Meanwhile, Zelensky once again rejected neutral status - one of Russia's main demands to end the war.

“If Putin assumes that Ukraine's neutrality will be established, then this will not happen,” he said, according to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. He rejected a necessary constitutional amendment.