Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says American negotiators proposed a withdrawal from Donbas in exchange for Ukraine's NATO membership. He would put such a deal to the Ukrainian people, provided Washington and the other NATO allies confirm the terms.

In Dublin, Zelensky made the case for his country's NATO membership. The Ukrainian army is already contributing to the defence of Europe and would further strengthen the continent's security.

US envoys such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also reported progress on an exchange of prisoners of war. According to Witkoff, Vladimir Putin agreed to let European representatives take part in the next round of talks, but the Russian foreign ministry played down that expectation. Putin also continues to insist on Russia's territorial demands and rejects foreign peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.

Key points:

• Zelensky said it was the first time American negotiators had raised this issue.
• He added that he would put such a deal to the Ukrainian people if Washington and other NATO allies confirmed the terms, as he could not decide alone.
• In Dublin, Zelensky made the case for Ukraine's NATO membership, saying the Ukrainian military is already helping to defend Europe.

Source: Vatican News (English)