Wayne Lumbasi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that the United States is advocating for the creation of a “free economic zone” in parts of eastern Ukraine as part of ongoing negotiations to end the conflict with Russia.
The proposal, aimed at facilitating a potential peace deal, envisions Ukrainian forces withdrawing from certain areas in Donetsk while maintaining the region as a demilitarized and economically autonomous zone.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has not agreed to any territorial concessions, and that any decision regarding the future status of these areas must ultimately reflect the will of the Ukrainian people, potentially through elections or a referendum. The president stressed the importance of clear governance and security guarantees to prevent Russia from exploiting any withdrawal of Ukrainian troops.
According to reports, U.S. negotiators are pressing Kyiv to consider this plan as a compromise between Ukraine’s insistence on holding its current lines and Moscow’s demands for territorial control. The idea is framed as a way to provide both security and economic incentives, while avoiding direct Russian occupation of the proposed zone.
The concept has generated debate in Kyiv and abroad. While it is seen by some as a pragmatic approach to ending the war and laying the groundwork for reconstruction, others worry that it could set a precarious precedent for territorial concessions. Zelenskyy’s cautious approach reflects the delicate balance he must strike between international pressure and domestic expectations.
This development comes amid broader U.S.-led mediation efforts, which include discussions on security arrangements, territorial governance, and post-war reconstruction.
As the war enters its third year, these negotiations highlight the challenges of finding a durable solution that satisfies both Ukrainian sovereignty and the complex interests of international mediators.
Zelenskyy’s remarks signal that Kyiv is willing to engage in dialogue, but he remains clear that any agreement must be legitimate, transparent, and backed by the Ukrainian population, underscoring his commitment to maintaining national sovereignty even amid intense diplomatic pressure.
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