ISW warned about catastrophic consequences of retreating from Donetsk: what threatens Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) expressed serious concerns regarding the possible consequences for Ukraine if it agrees to Russia's demand for a full withdrawal from the Donetsk region. Experts enumerated the main risks for Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

What threats does the withdrawal of the Armed Forces from Donetsk pose

Experts warn that the retreat of Ukrainian troops may lead to the loss of control over strategically important positions that have contained Russian aggression. This could provide Russian forces the opportunity to attack Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk from more advantageous positions.

Leaving part of the Donetsk region without guarantees of a peaceful resolution would create an advantage for future military actions, allowing Russia to avoid lengthy battles for territory.

The Ukrainian military will be forced to create new defensive lines along the borders of Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, which will complicate the situation due to the local terrain.

There is also a risk of renewed invasion by Russian occupiers. ISW emphasizes that Russia is highly likely to violate any ceasefire agreement and resume military aggression against Ukraine if the peace agreement does not provide reliable monitoring mechanisms and security guarantees.

The Institute for the Study of War calls on the Ukrainian government to refrain from accepting Russia's demands for withdrawal from the Donetsk region, as this could lead to serious strategic losses and increase the risk of further Russian invasion.

Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the response to the Ukrainian territorial issue is enshrined in the Constitution. He emphasized that Ukrainians do not intend to give their land to the occupiers.

It is also known that Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a limited ceasefire in the air and at sea ahead of a planned meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska.

Getting stuck in a cyclical battle for Donbas is a difficult situation for Ukraine, for which it may pay dearly. Experts warn of serious consequences that could arise if the government yields to Russia's demands. This could open the door to new threats and destabilization in the east of the country.