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Russia Gives Ukraine Two-Month Deadline to Leave Donbas, Zelenskyy Says
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia has set a deadline for Ukraine to voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region as a condition for ending the war.
This was revealed during the meeting wioth press, according to 24 channel on March 31.
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According to the President, the Kremlin has set the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the East as a precondition for a ceasefire on the front lines.
Furthermore, the Russians informed the American side that they intend to seize Donbas within two months. If Ukraine does not leave Donbas by that time, “the terms of peace will change.”
The President expressed surprise at how the Americans can still trust the words of the Russians.
“A logical question arises. This is my question to my American colleagues: If their (the Russians') goal is only Donbas, then why do they say that after capturing Donbas, they will move further and there will be new terms,” Zelenskyy noted.
He emphasized that Moscow's objective is clear and stated his belief that Russia will not be able to occupy all of Donbas within two months.
In addition, Zelenskyy announced that a video call with the Americans is scheduled for April 1, where NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will also participate, according to 24 channel. During the meeting, they will discuss how close the parties are to reaching tripartite agreements or at least organizing such a meeting.
Earlier in March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly stated that Ukraine will not pull its forces out of Donbas or abandon the roughly 200,000 Ukrainians still living there, deeming Russia’s demands unacceptable.
Zelenskyy highlighted that the ongoing negotiations have now centered around control of approximately 5,800 square kilometers in eastern Ukraine.
He revealed that, despite opposition from many within Ukraine, he opted for diplomacy and accepted the US proposal to freeze the frontline. His aim, he clarified, was to halt the fighting. However, he added that Russia rejected this approach and insists on a full Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s stance on the future of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions differs significantly from Russia's, stressing that territorial decisions cannot be made without the consent of the Ukrainian people, even as peace talks progress toward a potential conclusion.
In a previous conversation with reporters, Zelenskyy was asked directly about Donbas and reiterated that Ukraine must adhere to its laws, respect its citizens, and protect “the territory which we control.” He pointed out that Ukraine’s position stands in stark contrast to Moscow’s.
“We can have [a] referendum on any kind of points of this plan,” Zelenskyy stated. “Of course, our society has to choose … because it’s their land … not of one person. It’s the land of our nation, for a lot of generations.”
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