US Demands Ukraine Withdraw from Donbas: Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with Reuters that the Donald Trump administration is pressuring Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the remaining areas of Donbas in exchange for certain security guarantees from the United States.

Zelensky noted that this approach is also influenced by the Russian side's stance during negotiations with the US. He mentioned that a situation has evolved where Ukraine is expected to leave Donbas, after which the US should offer desirable security guarantees to Kyiv, while Russia would, according to this logic, end the war.

The Ukrainian president considered such an option to be dangerous not only politically but also military-wise. According to him, withdrawing from Donbas would weaken the country's defensive lines, creating an immediate risk to Ukraine's security.

Zelensky also pointed out that such a development poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Europe. He added that the failure of achieving sustainable peace creates risks for Donald Trump and his team as well.

According to the Ukrainian president, it is essential to hold at least one high-level meeting to discuss two main issues: territories and security guarantees, with the United States having a key role as a mediator in this process.