US floats new Donbas-NATO deal to Ukraine

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US negotiators have put a new proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as talks continue to end the conflict with Russia.

United States negotiators have raised Ukraine's potential withdrawal from ‌its eastern region of Donbas in exchange ‌for joining NATO, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says.

The proposal came following the latest round of peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi.

Zelenskiy reiterated his position that Kyiv ‌was not ‌willing to ⁠retreat from its territory.

But he ​said that if Ukraine received a comprehensive security package, that includes security guarantees, a strong and well-funded Ukrainian army and funds ⁠to rebuild, he ‌would put ​the question to a referendum.

"The Americans ​raised a ‌question: "What if Ukraine joins NATO? Would Ukraine ​withdraw from Donbas?" This was the first time this had been raised," ​Zelenskiy ​told reporters ​in remarks released by his ‌office on Saturday.

"That is why I believe NATO is back on the agenda. But you have also heard (Russian President ​Vladimir) Putin's signals, and this is ​an extremely ⁠difficult conversation."

The developments came after Ukraine fired almost 1200 drones at Russia in one of its biggest aerial attacks since the Russian full-scale invasion nearly five years ago.

Russia's defence ministry said its forces downed 1198 Ukrainian long-range drones between late Thursday and early Friday.

However, strikes on three Russian regions killed seven people, including a 12-year-old, and wounded 17, local officials said.

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