Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States has set a condition for providing security guarantees, requiring Ukraine to withdraw its troops from Donbas. Zelensky stated this in an interview with Reuters, emphasizing that such a move would jeopardize the security of both Ukraine and the entire European continent, as it would mean handing over strategically important defensive positions to Russia.
This is reported by Finway
Ukraine’s Position and US Response
President Zelensky stressed that the eastern part of the country is an integral component of Ukraine’s national security. He also noted that Washington’s attention is currently focused on the conflict with Iran, which affects the American administration’s decisions and its approach to the Ukrainian issue. Zelensky expressed disappointment that US President Donald Trump continues to exert pressure specifically on Kyiv:
“I would very much like the American side to understand that the eastern part of our country is part of our security guarantees.”
The White House has not yet released an official position on this matter.
Russia’s Reaction and Further Negotiations
In response to Zelensky’s statement, Russia’s special representative Kirill Dmitriev stated that Russia is pleased with Kyiv’s understanding of the American conditions for security guarantees. Dmitriev emphasized that the Ukrainian leader’s comments “cannot but please” the leadership of the Russian Federation.
In January, Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv’s position on territorial integrity remains unchanged, and any compromises must be mutual. He claimed that bilateral security guarantees with the US have already been agreed upon 100%, and Ukraine expects their signing soon.
The president also highlighted that the issue of territorial concessions should be resolved by the Ukrainian people through elections or a referendum. Meanwhile, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that “the entire Donbas is Russian.”
US President Donald Trump, in an interview with NBC News, noted that it is Zelensky’s position, rather than Putin’s willingness to compromise, that stands in the way of a peace agreement. According to Trump, “it is much harder to negotiate with Zelensky.”
For his part, Zelensky believes that the US should focus its efforts on pressuring Russia rather than Kyiv. He stated in a comment to Politico: “We do not trust Russia, but I think and believe that Americans really want to end this war. I hope they will help us, but there needs to be more pressure on Russia, not on me.”
Throughout January and February, trilateral negotiations took place between Ukraine, the US, and Russia regarding the cessation of war; however, no significant results were reported. On February 5, the parties reached an agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war – the first such exchange in the last five months. A meeting scheduled for early March in Abu Dhabi was postponed due to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East.
Despite US mediation efforts, Russia shows no willingness to make concessions and insists on maximalist demands, including the transfer of control over Donbas to Ukraine. Analysts note that Russia will not limit itself to territorial concessions and continues to reject Western security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukraine, for its part, insists on receiving robust security guarantees from the US and European partners to protect against future threats from Russia.