US Proposes Ukraine Withdraw from Donbas, Establish “Free Economic Zone”

The United States has reportedly proposed that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the Donbas region. following this withdrawal, Washington suggests creating a “free economic zone” in the areas currently under Kyiv’s control, according to ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Initially, the US had indicated Kyiv should cede control of the remaining parts of Donbas to Russia. However, Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that the US has now presented a revised proposal. This compromise involves a Ukrainian troop withdrawal, but crucially, does not require a reciprocal withdrawal of Russian forces from the territory.

“Who will govern this territory, which they are calling a ‘free economic zone’ or a ‘demilitarised zone’ – they don’t know,” Zelenskyy explained to journalists in Kyiv on Thursday. He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding governance within the proposed zone.

Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s skepticism regarding the plan’s fairness without concrete guarantees preventing Russian troops from simply occupying the zone after a Ukrainian withdrawal. He questioned the viability of the proposal, stating, “If one side’s troops have to retreat and the other side stays where they are, than what will hold back these other troops, the Russians? Or what will stop them disguising themselves as civilians and taking over this free economic zone? This is all very serious.”

He clarified that while Ukraine isn’t dismissing the idea outright, any compromise must be equitable. Zelenskyy stated that if Ukraine were to agree to such a scheme, it would necessitate elections or a referendum to legitimize it, asserting that decisions regarding territorial concessions ultimately rest wiht “the Ukrainian people.”

Under the current US plan, as described by Zelenskyy, Ukraine would withdraw from Donbas, where Russia is actively advancing. Together,the existing frontlines in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions would be solidified,effectively freezing the conflict in those areas.

Key Takeaways

• The US has proposed Ukraine withdraw troops from Donbas.
• The proposal includes establishing a “free economic zone” in the remaining Ukrainian-controlled territory.
• Ukraine is concerned about the lack of guarantees preventing Russian occupation of the zone after a Ukrainian withdrawal.
• Zelenskyy insists any compromise requires a fair agreement and the consent of the Ukrainian people through elections or a referendum.
• The plan also suggests freezing the frontlines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.