Zelensky noted that the "fair version" implies that the parties remain in their current positions along the contact line, while a temporary ceasefire regime must be achieved in the first stage. "This is an important point that will lead to the end of the war," he added.
Speaking about the situation in eastern Ukraine, the president indicated that Russian troops would remain in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, while Ukraine would seek to reclaim them through diplomatic means. He also mentioned that Kyiv would control the part of Donbas that is under Ukrainian jurisdiction.
We will live in the part of Donbas that is controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. These are key points in any format of negotiations. It is important for us that the Ukrainian authorities have control over the territories we are currently holding," Zelensky stressed.
Additionally, he reported that representatives of Ukraine informed their American partners about the impossibility of renouncing territories, which is also reflected in the country's Constitution.
The head of state added that American colleagues are striving to find a compromise, and therefore proposed to create a free economic zone.
Earlier, information emerged that Ukraine and the U.S. reached some agreements, although disagreements arose over territorial issues after two days of tense negotiations in Berlin.
According to the U.S. proposal, the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from approximately 14% of the territory of Donbas controlled by Kyiv, which Russia also claims, is anticipated. This territory is to become a demilitarized "free economic zone."
