Zelenskiy: Demilitarization in Donbass will only be based on equality

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his clear and firm opinion on the issue of withdrawing troops from the Donbass region. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

He emphasized that such a decision should not be unilateral, meaning that Russia must also take corresponding steps. According to Zelenskiy, the demilitarization process must be carried out solely on the principle of mutual equality.

According to the president, if Ukrainian troops withdraw a certain distance, Russian military personnel must also leave their positions by the same distance. He explained it as follows: “If we withdraw 5 kilometers, they will also withdraw 5 kilometers.

If we withdraw 10 kilometers, they will also be pushed back by the same distance. Only under these conditions can we talk about genuine demilitarization.” Additionally, Zelenskiy noted that in the current situation, the most optimal way is for the parties to maintain their positions.

In his view, this decision plays an important role in preventing escalation. Earlier, Zelenskiy had also mentioned the possibility of holding a referendum on withdrawing Ukrainian troops from Donbass.

However, Ukrainian deputies stated that they would not support this initiative. The Russian side also expressed its position.

According to Russian President’s aide Yuri Ushakov, the issue of withdrawing Russian troops from the territory has not been completely rejected. At the same time, he emphasized that even if the troops are withdrawn, the Rosgvardiya and other law enforcement agencies will remain in the area.

Ushakov stated that firing will only cease after Ukrainian troops leave Donbass, and the region is expected to gradually come under Russian control. Thus, the situation in Donbass remains complicated.

The opposing statements from the parties indicate that reaching an agreement in the near future will not be easy.