US plans free economic zone in Donbas following Ukrainian withdrawal Zelensky announces
The United States has proposed establishing a free economic zone in parts of the eastern Donbas region, contingent on Ukraine’s withdrawal. This announcement came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who shared details of ongoing peace negotiations with the U.S. during a press briefing.
Key Points of the Proposed Peace Plan
- Location: The free economic zone would be in the Donbas, encompassing parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
- Status of Negotiations: Zelensky indicated that the U.S. had received an updated peace plan from Ukraine, which is still under discussion.
- Goal: The aim is to reach a comprehensive understanding of the peace plan by Christmas.
Territorial Disputes
Zelensky noted that unresolved territorial issues still exist. He emphasized that Ukraine does not accept Russia’s demand for full control of the Donbas. Since 2014, Russia has been involved in conflict in the region.
Questions on Management and Security
One of the main concerns raised by Zelensky revolves around who would oversee the proposed free economic zone. He questioned the feasibility of ensuring security, stating, “If some troops have to leave, what prevents others from advancing?”
- Troop Withdrawals: He advocated for fairness, suggesting that if Ukrainian troops withdraw, Russian forces should do the same.
- Policing the Zone: There are worries about the potential for Russian troops to infiltrate under the guise of civilians.
Next Steps in the Peace Process
Zelensky also reflected on the ongoing discussions with the U.S. negotiating team, which includes notable figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A meeting is set for this weekend in Paris, aimed at further advancing the peace plan.
Future of Ceasefire Agreements
When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, Zelensky mentioned that it would likely follow the signing of a framework agreement. He expressed skepticism about Russia agreeing to a ceasefire without prior agreements in place.
Security Guarantees and Historical Context
In light of Ukraine’s past experiences, particularly with the Budapest Memorandum, Zelensky stressed the importance of solid security guarantees in the upcoming stages of this peace process. He remarked on the significance of having clear commitments from allies on how they would respond should Russian aggression continue.
As the situation evolves, the proposed free economic zone in the Donbas represents a critical point in negotiations towards resolving the long-standing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
