Rubio Contradicts Zelensky: No U.S. Demand for Troop Withdrawal from Donbas.

Clarifying the Ukrainian President's Statement

According to Novyny.live: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pushed back against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's claim that Washington linked security guarantees to a pullout of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region. Rubio made clear that the United States never imposed any conditions involving territorial concessions from Ukraine.

Earlier, Zelensky had stated that the U.S. tied the provision of security assurances to the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas. However, Rubio clarified that such guarantees could only be offered after active hostilities cease. He also stressed that U.S. involvement in negotiations does not mean pressuring Kyiv:

“We informed the Ukrainian side of what the Russians are demanding. We are not advocating for that… The choice is theirs. It is not for us to decide for them. We never told them they must agree or refuse.” - Marco Rubio

U.S. Support for Ukraine in Peace Talks

Rubio emphasized the importance of Ukraine making its own decisions, noting:

“If they do not want to make certain decisions or accept certain compromises, the war will continue.” - Marco Rubio

In this way, the Secretary of State reaffirmed that the United States backs Ukraine’s position in peace negotiations, but the ultimate choices rest with the Ukrainian side.

Rubio’s remarks highlight Washington’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty without pressing for territorial concessions. This distinction is crucial amid ongoing peace talks that could shape the future of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. By underscoring that final decisions must come from Kyiv, the U.S. reinforces the importance of Ukraine’s autonomy in handling its own political and military affairs.