US and Russia call for withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donbas

Zelenskyy says the US and Russia propose to withdraw the Armed Forces from Donbas

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that both the United States and Russia are allegedly signalling the same scenario for a quick end to the war - the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas.

What the president said

According to the head of state, Kyiv is being offered virtually the same condition for a quick cessation of hostilities.

«Both the United States and Russia say that if you want the war to end tomorrow, then withdraw the Armed Forces from Donbas,» Zelenskyy said.

The President did not specify the format of such signals.

Ukraine's position

The Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stressed that they are not considering options that involve giving up their own territories. Kyiv insists that the principles of sovereignty and international law must be respected as the basis for any peaceful settlement.

Context.

The issue of territories remains a key stumbling block in international discussions on ending Russia's war against Ukraine. Previously, the Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly stated that scenarios involving the retreat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the occupied regions are unacceptable.