By Gloria Ogbonna
The United States has reportedly offered a new proposal to break the deadlock between Ukraine and Russia over the future of the Donbas region — but President Volodymyr Zelensky says the idea raises more questions than answers.
Speaking on Thursday, Zelensky revealed that after Ukraine rejected a U.S.-backed land-swap plan that would have handed the remaining Kyiv-controlled areas of Donbas to Moscow, American negotiators pitched an alternative: the creation of a “free economic zone” in the region. This zone would involve withdrawing Ukrainian troops from their last strongholds and repositioning them along the borders of Donbas.
But for Ukraine’s president, the plan is anything but straightforward.
Zelensky Questions U.S. Intentions and Feasibility
Zelensky explained that under the new concept, Kyiv would pull back its forces, effectively neutralizing the area. However, he stressed that such a move is impossible without clear details — and without the approval of the Ukrainian people.
He reminded the international community that Ukraine’s constitution forbids giving away territory without a national referendum, yet wartime elections or referendums remain off the table.
“I believe the people of Ukraine will answer this question,” he said. “Whether through elections or a referendum, there must be a position from the people.”
The proposal also lacked clarity on basic governance issues.
Zelensky asked:
“Who will govern this territory they are calling a ‘free economic zone’ or ‘demilitarised zone’? They don’t know.”
Fears of a Repeat of 2014
The Ukrainian president expressed deep concerns that Russia could exploit any troop withdrawal.
He warned that without Ukrainian forces in place, nothing would prevent Russia from advancing further or infiltrating the neutral zone disguised as civilians — a tactic widely believed to have been used during the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the start of the Donbas conflict.
“If one side retreats and the other stays where they are, what will hold back the Russians?” he asked.
“What will stop them from taking over this free economic zone? This is all very serious.”
Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine refuses to surrender the Donbas, stating:
“The Russians want the whole region — but we do not accept this. Our stance is to remain where we stand, on the contact line.”
Major Global Powers Weigh In
Zelensky’s comments followed what he described as “urgent talks” on Thursday involving representatives from about 30 countries, including the U.K., France, and Germany.
After the meeting, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer underscored Europe’s solidarity with Ukraine and emphasized that any resolution must lead to a “just and lasting” ceasefire.
He added pointedly that “matters for Ukraine are for Ukraine,” signaling that Kyiv must be the ultimate decision-maker in any negotiation with Moscow.
Another unresolved concern is the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — the largest in Europe — which has been under effective Russian control since early in the war. What happens to the plant under any new arrangement remains unclear.
A Negotiation at a Crossroads
The U.S. proposal signals ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic breakthrough, but Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine will not be pressured into accepting any deal that compromises its sovereignty or security.
Until clearer terms emerge — and until the Ukrainian people have their say — Kyiv is unlikely to endorse the plan.
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Source Breitbart
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