Zelensky on Donbas: Demilitarized Zone Currently Impossible Due to Risks.

According to ТСН: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the issue of creating a demilitarized or free economic zone in the Donetsk region remains unresolved and carries numerous risks for the country.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine adheres to the principle of maintaining its positions on the front. He noted:

«I believe that currently the fair and feasible position is to stand where we are»

Among the ideas regarding a referendum or special management formats for Donbas, the president noted that they remain theoretical and lack practical appearance. He also added that Russia negatively perceives any initiatives that do not foresee the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the region.

«In response to our signals on this issue, the Russians claim that we must leave Donbas, or they will occupy it anyway»

The head of state drew attention to the large amount of disinformation from the Russian Federation, particularly regarding the situation on the front.

«They claimed they occupied Kupiansk, that we were surrounded. I was recently in Kupiansk and showed who actually controls this city»

Zelensky also urged U.S. representatives not to blindly trust the statements from the Russian side.

«I signaled to our colleagues in the U.S. that they should not believe everything that Russia says»

The president indicated that Moscow is trying to achieve control over eastern Ukraine not only through military means but also through political and diplomatic channels. He critically assessed the proposals under which Ukrainian troops would retreat while Russian forces remained in occupied positions.

«If Ukrainian forces retreat by 5-10 kilometers, then why shouldn't Russian forces retreat deeper into the occupied territories by the same distance?»

Zelensky concluded that the issue of possible buffer, demilitarized, or economic zones in Donbas remains open.

«This is a very sensitive and very hot issue, for which there are currently no answers»

Ukraine's position on Donbas remains unchanged, reflecting the seriousness of the situation in the region and the awareness of the risks that may arise from unconsidered decisions. The question of further steps that Ukraine is ready to take to protect its interests, as well as how the international community can support the country in this process, remains open.