Zelenskyy: Withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas region unacceptable

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken about the progress of negotiations involving the United States and Russia, outlining Kyiv’s key positions on security, territorial issues and economic measures.

Zelenskyy said that the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region is unacceptable for Kyiv, adding that the US side is therefore seeking a compromise solution. He also noted that discussions are under way on the possible transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, stressing that such a move would require sufficient political will, Caliber.Az reports via ASTRA. 

The president said Ukraine considers it necessary to maintain the strength of its armed forces at no fewer than 800,000 personnel, and added that talks are continuing on further strengthening the military and its armaments. He also stated that, under current sanctions, Russia’s economy would not be able to sustain the war at the same scale, while noting that there are no signs so far that Moscow is prepared to abandon a peace agreement.

Zelenskyy said a Ukrainian delegation is due to travel to the United States on December 19–20 to continue negotiations, adding that Washington has expressed readiness to assist Ukraine with post-war recovery efforts.

He also said the United States has proposed that the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant operate under joint management by three parties, a proposal Kyiv considers unfair.

By Sabina Mammadli