Russia Gives Ukraine 2 Months to Comply, Zelensky Says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced during a press briefing at the Bucha Summit that Russia is demanding Ukrainian forces withdraw from the Donbas area under their control, insisting that this would lead to the end of the war.

According to him, the Russian side has also indicated that if Ukraine does not meet this demand within the next two months, Russia may attempt to fully capture the Donbas and then present new terms.

Zelensky emphasized that under these conditions, a question arises as to whether Russia's objectives are limited solely to the Donbas region. He stated that in his assessment, Russia's true aims are broader, and he expresses doubts that these plans can be realized in the short term.

He further noted that Moscow is trying to exert influence on the United States, considering ongoing American political processes, including the upcoming midterm elections.

Zelensky added that he is perplexed by the approach suggesting that the war could end or diminish only if Ukraine vacates the eastern regions. According to him, such assessments are not substantiated by developments in previous years and do not provide a comprehensive view of the situation.