Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that Kyiv may be prepared to abandon its long-standing bid to join NATO, as peace talks with the United States and European allies intensify against the backdrop of continued fighting.
Speaking during meetings with US envoys and European partners in Berlin, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was willing to reconsider its ambition of joining NATO.
He described the move as a significant concession after years of viewing NATO membership as the strongest safeguard against future Russian aggression.
Instead of NATO membership, Zelenskyy said Ukraine could seek legally binding security guarantees from the United States, Europe, and other allies.
He added that Ukraine, the US, and European partners were currently reviewing a 20-point plan that could eventually lead to a ceasefire.
Talks with US envoys continue
Zelenskyy is expected to continue discussions in Berlin with Steve Witkoff, former US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, as well as Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The talks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to find a framework for ending the war.
Russia claims territorial gains in eastern Ukraine
Meanwhile, fighting on the ground continues. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its forces had captured Pishchane, a village in Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region. The claim could not be independently verified, and Ukraine did not immediately comment.
Drone attacks intensify on both sides
Both Russia and Ukraine reported heavy overnight drone attacks.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 153 drones of various types, claiming 133 were neutralised, while 17 hit their targets.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said it destroyed 130 Ukrainian drones overnight, with another 16 downed later in the morning. Eighteen drones were reportedly shot down over Moscow, forcing temporary flight suspensions at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports.
