Ukrain(The COW News Digital)Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a conditional willingness to withdraw Ukrainian troops from the eastern industrial region of Donbas, contingent upon reciprocal Russian troop withdrawals and the establishment of an internationally monitored demilitarized zone. The announcement comes amid ongoing negotiations involving the United States over a broader 20-point peace framework.
Speaking to journalists, Zelensky emphasized that any withdrawal would depend on Russia’s cooperation and adherence to security guarantees. He added that the proposed demilitarized zone would also align with plans to create a free economic zone for the region, a concept supported by U.S. negotiators, although details regarding governance and development of the zone remain unclear.
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Zelensky highlighted that similar arrangements could be applied around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, ensuring safety and international oversight. He stressed that any peace plan would need to be presented to the Ukrainian public for approval through a referendum, reflecting the country’s commitment to democratic legitimacy.
The announcement follows recent discussions in Florida between Ukrainian and American negotiators, who reached preliminary agreement on a 20-point peace proposal. While progress has been made, Zelensky acknowledged that several aspects of the plan are still under negotiation, and sensitive details will continue to be discussed in subsequent diplomatic sessions.
Moscow has yet to respond directly to Ukraine’s latest proposal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia will determine its position based on information received from U.S. negotiators, signaling that official Russian feedback may take time.
Observers note that Zelensky’s conditional offer reflects Ukraine’s willingness to explore de-escalation measures while safeguarding national security and asserting control over negotiations. By linking troop withdrawal to international monitoring and Russian reciprocity, Ukraine aims to reduce the risk of unilateral vulnerabilities in the conflict.
Earlier statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that his administration was close to brokering a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, adding an international dimension to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Analysts suggest that if both sides agree to reciprocal withdrawals and the establishment of demilitarized zones, it could pave the way for broader negotiations on economic recovery, security guarantees, and eventual post-war reconstruction. However, significant hurdles remain, including trust issues, security arrangements, and the role of external powers in monitoring compliance.
As talks continue, the situation in Donbas remains tense, with both military and civilian populations awaiting concrete steps toward de-escalation and long-term stability.
