Democratic US senators have asked Elon Musk to preserve all records relating to restrictions on SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield satellite services in Ukraine, adding a new dimension to scrutiny of the technology company's role in the conflict.

The request follows reports of disruptions to satellite services used by Ukrainian forces for frontline communications and air defense.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that US negotiators raised the possibility of Ukraine withdrawing from the parts of the eastern Donbas region still under Kyiv's control in exchange for NATO membership. Speaking after the latest round of peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi, Zelenskyy said this was the first time the proposal had been raised by Washington.

The developments come as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue alongside fighting on the ground. 

Here are the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

US floats idea of Ukraine handing over the Donbas to Russia for NATO membership

Zelenskyy said that for the first time US negotiators had floated a question about Ukraine's potential withdrawal from its eastern region of Donbas, which Russia does not currently control, in exchange for joining NATO, following the latest round of peace talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi.

Zelenskyy reiterated his position that Kyiv was not willing to retreat from its territory. 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," Zelenskyy 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."

Zelenskyy also said that Putin had raised similar ideas in 2021 with then-US President Joe Biden.

Starlink row continues

Democratic US senators have told Elon Musk to preserve all records related to his company SpaceX's SPCX.O restrictions on Ukraine's use of its Starlink and Starshield satellite services.

The senators have given Musk until November 30 to provide written confirmation that "all appropriate preservation measures have been implemented."

The request follows reports from Ukrainian forces that Starshield was not working the same as it was once before. Starshield is a military-grade version of Starlink, and is vital for frontline communications and drone operations for Ukraine in their defense against Russian drone and missile attacks.

In mid-October, Ukrainian officials complained that the service had been restricted without explanation or warning, limiting their military's ability to conduct complicated strike missions against Russian forces and slowing interceptor drones used to shoot down Russian attack drones.

"The October and November restrictions now raise the disturbing possibility that these vulnerabilities persist even within systems on which the U.S. government relies," Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Chris Coons of Delaware said in a letter to Musk.

The lawmakers have sought SpaceX's records since September 1, including all communications related to Starlink and Starshield in Ukraine as well as communications between Musk, SpaceX executives and the White House and Pentagon.

US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons said the restrictions raised "serious questions" about SpaceX's control over communications systems critical to national security and criticized what they described as "opaque decision-making."

Russia reports gains

Russia’s Defence Ministry reported on Saturday that its forces had captured the settlement of Tersianka in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.

The ministry also said Russian forces had struck Ukrainian energy and transport infrastructure used by the military, ammunition depots, and drone production and storage sites.