Zelensky rejects transfer of Donbas to Russia as part of peace deal
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian society would not agree to a peace deal that would see Ukraine withdraw from Donbas and hand the region over to Russian control.
This is reported by the Axios with reference to the President's position on the possible parameters of the negotiation process.
Compromise is possible only on mutual terms
According to the newspaper, Zelenskyy admits to discussing the issue of withdrawal of troops, but stresses that such a step is possible only if Moscow takes symmetrical actions.
It is about withdrawing Russian forces to an equivalent distance without recognising any claims of sovereignty over the occupied territories.
The context of the negotiations and international pressure
The statements were made against the backdrop of intensified diplomatic contacts on a possible end to the war and the search for a settlement formula.
Kyiv has consistently emphasised that any peace agreement must guarantee Ukraine's territorial integrity, security and no political concessions to the aggressor.
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