Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that proposals for the possible withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas in exchange for security guarantees from the United States actually repeat Russia's ultimatum demands. He said this in an interview with the American television channel NBC News, commenting on discussions around ways to end the war.
According to the head of state, such initiatives are not formally presented as direct pressure from the United States, but their logic is obvious. It is about Ukraine making territorial concessions, after which security guarantees can be offered.
The President emphasized that this approach is not a realistic scenario for achieving peace. In his opinion, it only reproduces the position of Russia, which seeks to force Ukraine to give up its territories.
"They will stop. But only if the price for them becomes high enough," Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that Ukraine cannot agree to such conditions, as this would mean actual surrender to the aggressor.
Separately, the president noted that the United States has enough influence to change the Kremlin's position. He believes that American politicians, in particular Donald Trump, can increase pressure on Russia and force it to end the war.
Zelensky also noted that Moscow continues its aggression not because of its own strength, but because of an insufficient level of international pressure. That is why, in his opinion, the key to ending the war is to strengthen sanctions and political pressure on Russia, and not to seek compromises at the expense of Ukrainian territories.
