Zelensky on Donbas: We stand where we stand and the US peace formula.

According to ТСН: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made a number of important statements regarding the future of Donbas, possible elections in Ukraine, and negotiations on the US peace plan. The head of state emphasized that the main tasks remain ensuring security, justice, and maintaining Ukrainian positions.

Position on Donbas: 'We stand where we stand'

Volodymyr Zelensky commented on possible formats for resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine. He noted that ideas for creating demilitarized or free economic zones in the Donetsk region remain under consideration but carry certain risks.

'I believe that today a fair and feasible option is the position - we stand where we stand,' Zelensky emphasized.

In addition, the president stressed that proposals regarding referendums or special formats for managing Donbas currently lack real substance.

Zelensky pointed out that Russia rejects any initiatives that do not foresee the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the region. 'In response to our signals, the Russians say we must leave Donbas, or they will occupy it anyway,' he said.

Buffer zones and Russian disinformation

Zelensky sharply criticized proposals to withdraw Ukrainian troops while leaving Russian ones in occupied positions. 'If Ukrainian troops retreat by 5-10 kilometers, then why shouldn't Russian troops also retreat deeper into the occupied territories by the same distance?' he emphasized.

The president also highlighted the systematic disinformation from Russia regarding the situation on the front, citing the example of Kupiansk. 'They claimed to have occupied Kupiansk, that we were surrounded. I was recently in Kupiansk and showed who really controls the city,' Zelensky noted.

US peace plan: the formula 'Yes, but...'

Commenting on information from Western media, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is working on a response to US peace initiatives, particularly in the format of 'Yes, but...'. This approach allows Kyiv to maintain dialogue with Washington without compromising key state interests.

'My priority is for the plan to be fair to Ukraine while not leaving Russia the opportunity to start a third aggression,' Zelensky stated.

He added that all key adjustments to Ukraine's positions are coordinated with the US, and the document must be a real mechanism for ending the war.

Possible elections: the main concern is security

The president separately expressed his views on the prospects of holding elections in Ukraine, noting that security remains a determining factor. 'I am not holding onto my chair. Ukraine must be ready for any developments,' he said.

Zelensky reported that he has reached out to international partners for assistance in ensuring security conditions in the event of elections. The government, parliament, and relevant agencies are preparing possible scenarios.

'They must work out options for holding elections as soon as possible so that in any situation the state is ready,' emphasized the head of state.

Personnel issues in the President's Office

Zelensky also commented on the potential appointment of a new head of the President's Office, stating that consultations with candidates are ongoing, and none of them have refused. 'All of them are ready to lend a hand. There are many technical questions, so I have not yet decided,' the president said.

In these statements, President Zelensky emphasized the importance of stability and security in the country, stressing that decision-making regarding Donbas and elections must be thoughtful and take into account local realities. The situation remains complex, and the response of international partners may become a decisive factor in the future.