Zelenskiy Reveals US Conditions Security Guarantees on Ukraine Ceding Donbas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has disclosed that the United States is making its offer of security guarantees for a potential peace deal conditional on Kyiv relinquishing control of the eastern Donbas region to Russia. In an interview with Reuters, Zelenskiy expressed concerns that with the U.S. currently focused on its conflict with Iran, President Donald Trump is applying increased pressure on Ukraine to swiftly end the four-year war triggered by Russia's 2022 invasion.
Impact of Middle East Conflict on US Strategy
"The Middle East definitely has an impact on President Trump, and I think on his next steps. President Trump, unfortunately, in my opinion, still chooses a strategy of putting more pressure on the Ukrainian side," Zelenskiy stated. He emphasized that robust security guarantees from international partners are absolutely essential to prevent Russia from restarting hostilities after any peace agreement is reached.
Stalled Trilateral Peace Negotiations
The United States, Russia, and Ukraine have conducted three rounds of high-level trilateral talks this year in Abu Dhabi and Geneva, attempting to negotiate an end to Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War Two. This devastating war has ravaged extensive areas of Ukraine and resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties. A fourth round of talks, originally scheduled for this month, was postponed due to the escalating Iran conflict.
Unresolved Questions About Security and Funding
Two critical questions remain unresolved in the peace negotiations:
- Who will fund Ukraine's weapons purchases to sustain its military deterrent capabilities?
- How would allies respond to future Russian aggression following any peace agreement?
"The Americans are prepared to finalise these guarantees at a high level once Ukraine is ready to withdraw from Donbas," Zelenskiy explained, adding that while he understands the subtleties of the American position, he has not participated directly in the trilateral discussions.
Strategic Concerns About Withdrawal
Zelenskiy warned that withdrawing from Donbas would seriously compromise the security of both Ukraine and Europe by handing strategic defensive positions to Russia. "I would very much like the American side to understand that the eastern part of our country is part of our security guarantees," he emphasized. The president highlighted that Russia's advance has been slow over the past two years, with analysts suggesting it could require significant manpower and time to conquer the heavily fortified cities known as the Fortress Belt.
Russian Position and Military Objectives
Russian President Vladimir Putin insists that control of the entire Donbas region is essential to his war aims, which Moscow seeks to achieve militarily if negotiations ultimately fail. Zelenskiy questioned whether Russia is truly willing to sacrifice hundreds of thousands more soldiers to capture the remaining 6,000 square kilometers of Donbas it does not yet control.
Diplomatic Progress and Setbacks
Zelenskiy had previously indicated that a security guarantees document with the U.S. was "100% ready" in January, but following recent talks in Miami this week, he acknowledged that more work remains to be done. He also expressed concern that Russia is betting Washington will lose interest if the peace talks continue to stall.
Call for High-Level Summit
The Ukrainian president emphasized that a summit between Trump, Putin, and himself represents the only viable way to resolve both territorial and security issues and achieve a comprehensive peace deal. Despite past tensions, Zelenskiy thanked the Trump administration for continuing supplies of Patriot missile defense systems amid the Gulf conflict, noting that while these deliveries are critical, they remain insufficient to meet Ukraine's complete defense needs.
