Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly disclosed a contentious American proposal that would see Ukrainian forces withdraw from their current positions in the eastern Donetsk region to establish a special economic area, a move Kyiv views as a potentially risky unilateral concession. The revelation, made during a briefing with journalists, casts a spotlight on the delicate and increasingly complex diplomatic maneuvering aimed at ending the protracted conflict, underscoring a significant divergence in strategic approaches between Ukraine and its foremost ally.
The proposal, presented by a US delegation including senior officials, envisions the creation of a demilitarized buffer zone in territory presently under Ukrainian military control. This zone, referred to in discussions as a special economic area, is understood to be a core element of ongoing negotiations to halt hostilities. President Zelenskyy confirmed that his administration has submitted a comprehensive, updated peace framework to American counterparts, encompassing a multi-point plan alongside detailed documents on future security assurances and post-war reconstruction. These submissions are considered foundational to Kyiv’s negotiating position.
Context is critical to understanding the proposal's sensitivity. While Russia has long demanded that Ukraine cede control over substantial portions of Donetsk, areas which Moscow claims to have annexed, Ukrainian forces maintain a defensive hold on approximately one-fifth of the region. The US-backed plan would necessitate a withdrawal from these hard-won positions, with the expectation that Russian forces would reciprocate by not advancing. Zelenskyy expressed profound skepticism about this premise, framing any territorial adjustments as matters of national sovereignty that must ultimately be decided by the Ukrainian populace through legal mechanisms such as a referendum.
"The final mile is the hardest. Everything could fall apart for many reasons," Zelenskyy stated, alluding to the fragile state of the talks. He further challenged the logic of a one-sided retreat, asking pointedly, "Why doesn’t the other side of the war pull back the same distance in the other direction?" This rhetorical question highlights Kyiv's central concern: that a withdrawal could simply create a vacuum exploitable by Russian forces, rather than a genuine pathway to stability. The terminology itself remains a point of friction, with the concept of a "special economic zone" carrying different connotations than Russia's preferred "demilitarised zone."
Analysts suggest this development signals Washington's pressing desire for a swift resolution to a conflict with global economic and security ramifications. However, it also exposes a potential rift in the alliance, as Ukraine seeks ironclad security guarantees before considering any territorial compromises. The future governance of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant adds another layer of complexity to the broader discussions. The emerging impasse over the Donetsk buffer zone illustrates the immense challenges of crafting a durable peace, where the strategic imperatives of external partners must be reconciled with the existential priorities of a nation defending its sovereignty. The path forward appears contingent on bridging this fundamental gap in risk assessment and political endgames.