Zelenskyy Warns: A Donbas Withdrawal Would Deepen Divisions and Offer Only a Temporary Truce

Ukrainian President's Interview

According to Главком: In an interview with the BBC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued against withdrawing Ukrainian troops from the Donbas region. He stated that such a move would amount to abandoning territory, weakening Ukraine's position, and forsaking the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens who live there. Zelenskyy believes this would only temporarily halt the war while deeply dividing Ukrainian society.

The President further emphasized that both the United States and Russia are currently pressuring Ukraine to relinquish the 20% of the Donbas that remains under Kyiv's control. He stressed that this step would not resolve the conflict and could instead lead to a more profound societal rift. This stance highlights the immense pressure Ukraine faces from major powers regarding its sovereign territory.

The Broader Conflict in Eastern Ukraine

President Zelenskyy also asserted that, in his view, Vladimir Putin has already initiated a Third World War.

“Probably, for some time, this will satisfy him... he needs a pause... In my opinion, he will be able to recover in no more than a couple of years. Where will he go next? We don't know, but the fact that he will want to continue (the war) is a fact,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that the Kremlin's actions can only be stopped through intense military and economic pressure. These remarks underscore the President's grave concern for the future of eastern Ukraine and the critical importance of preserving the country's territorial integrity.

Zelenskyy's comments reflect the severe situation in the Donbas and the necessity of defending Ukraine's sovereignty amid external demands. The President indicated that the clashing interests of the U.S. and Russia could lead to further escalation, requiring a strategic approach from Kyiv to protect national interests. The Donbas issue remains a pivotal point in global negotiations, with implications for Ukraine's international alliances and foreign policy.