Zelensky refuses to concede Donbas as he warns US security plan could empower Putin

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US has raised the idea of withdrawing from Donbas in exchange for Ukraine's membership in NATO

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Washington has floated the concept of a new European security framework during discussions on ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukrainian president warned, however, that Moscow could exploit such proposals to weaken NATO and redraw continental borders.

"In my view, this can be dangerous," Zelensky told reporters Friday. "This should not be the main agenda." His remarks had been embargoed until Saturday.

He stated his belief that Moscow aims to reopen wider debates over European security instead of concentrating strictly on bringing the four-and-a-half-year war to a close.

"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s desire to change borders in Europe is a fact. I am sure this is part of his concept of revising security guarantees in Europe," he said. "This is dangerous because, in my view, it is precisely things like this that lead to wars or escalations."

European leaders have insisted that any choices regarding the continent’s security must be determined by Europeans themselves, warning against allowing Russia to dictate the terms of a new security order or negotiate NATO's future.

Zelensky said the United States had asked for the first time whether Ukraine would withdraw from parts of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine that Russia does not control if Kyiv joined NATO. He reiterated that Kyiv would not surrender its territory.

Ukraine is discussing a comprehensive security package with its partners that could include specific guarantees from NATO and the European Union, a strong Ukrainian military and financial support for a specified period, he said. It would also include a recovery plan, he said.

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