Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated on Sunday that Kyiv could forgo its pursuit of NATO membership if the West provides concrete security guarantees.

Speaking ahead of talks with U.S. representatives, Zelenskyy rejected proposals suggesting Ukraine cede territory to Russia, reaffirming his stance against concessions on national sovereignty.

The Ukrainian leader met with Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also present at the negotiation table. Zelenskyy shared images of the meeting on social media.

In comments to journalists via a WhatsApp group prior to the discussions, Zelenskyy said Ukraine expects a package of security assurances comparable to those extended to NATO members, following repeated Western refusals to admit the country to the alliance. “These security guarantees are an opportunity to prevent another wave of Russian aggression,” he said. “And this is already a compromise on our part.”

Russia has long viewed Ukraine’s NATO aspirations as a direct threat, citing it as justification for its February 2022 full-scale invasion. Moscow has insisted that Kyiv renounce its membership bid as a condition for any future peace agreement.