President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expressed the opinion that the issue of creating a free economic zone in Donbas should only be decided by the people of Ukraine. He made this statement during a conversation with journalists at the president’s office.
Zelensky emphasized that he considers the ceasefire agreement according to the “hold where we stand” position as fair, highlighting the importance of holding the territory of Donbas controlled by Ukrainian forces. The president also noted that while the presence of Russian troops on Ukraine’s territory is unjust, such a position is currently a certain compromise.
Russia demands that the Ukrainian army leave the territory of the Donetsk region, while Ukraine claims such a step is impossible. In this connection, the USA offers a compromise in the form of creating a free economic zone. According to this plan, there should be no heavy weapons within the zone, and there might be restrictions on the presence of any troops. Local self-government bodies and police missions are expected to operate there.
Zelensky condemned the proposal, considering the security of such a zone untrustworthy. In his opinion, the Russian army could violate the agreements at any moment. The president emphasized the need for equal and mutual steps for the withdrawal of troops from both sides to create such a zone, which could be called different names including a free economic zone.
The president stated that the best and fairest option is to maintain the existing position, with minimal compromises. If the issue of the free economic zone is raised, the decision is up to the people of Ukraine.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 12 | The Office of the President of Ukraine comments on Le Monde’s material about Ukraine’s possible agreement to create a buffer zone in Donbas. |
| December 14 | Zelensky criticizes the US idea of creating a free economic zone in Donbas as unfair. |
