However, questions regarding territories remain open.
The President of Ukraine stated: "The Russians want to control the entire Donbas, but we do not agree with this. Our position is to remain at the contact line." According to him, there is currently a discussion between the various positions, and a final decision has not yet been made.
Zelensky also mentioned that the U.S. discussed the possibility of creating a "free economic zone" in those areas of Donbas from which Ukrainian troops are planned to be withdrawn. The Russian side refers to this territory as a "demilitarized zone."
He added that such an approach could help overcome the diplomatic deadlock; however, serious questions remain about who will govern this zone and how to organize the mutual withdrawal of troops.
The President poses the question: "If one side retreats, how do they want the Ukrainians to act? Why shouldn't the other side retreat the same distance in the opposite direction? Russia must also leave the territories it currently controls."
Furthermore, Zelensky expressed doubts about who will maintain order in the proposed "free economic zone." He emphasized that Ukraine is not obligated to accept these proposals if they do not represent a fair compromise, and that the final decision on the territorial issue should be made by the people of Ukraine through elections or a referendum.
In his comment on the social network X, Zelensky noted that the Ukrainian delegation held "constructive" negotiations with American representatives, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also joined the negotiations.
