Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine will not recognize Donbas as Russian, either de facto or de jure, despite growing US pressure for compromise in peace negotiations. He made this statement after meeting with US representatives Steve Withop and Jared Kushner in Berlin, addressing reports that the US is urging Ukraine to give up control over parts of Donetsk region.
Zelensky stressed that the creation of a free economic zone does not mean these territories would be transferred to Russian control. The main focus of discussions between Kyiv and Washington is the status of the part of Donetsk region currently under Ukrainian control. Talks on this topic will continue in Miami between the US and Ukrainian representatives.
It remains uncertain whether Russia would agree to any proposals not involving the de facto and de jure recognition of Donetsk region as part of the Russian Federation. The US links any settlement of the Donbas issue with future security guarantees for Ukraine, which may be legally binding and could include the possibility of US intervention in case of a renewed Russian attack. Such initiatives, if ratified by the US Congress, would not depend on which administration controls the White House.
Meanwhile, the US insists not only on concessions regarding Donbas, but also on Ukraine refraining from joining NATO, with the US indicating it would independently block Ukraine’s accession. Zelensky points out that Russia’s alleged security concerns are essentially a pretext for keeping its options open for further actions against Ukraine or other former Soviet republics.
The current situation poses new challenges for Russia’s leadership; formal US security guarantees could hinder potential new aggression. However, it remains unclear whether Moscow will accept a proposed peace deal even if agreed upon by a new US president.
The meetings in Berlin and the planned Miami talks demonstrate a US, Ukraine, and European effort to form a coordinated stance for peace negotiations. However, there are as yet no substantial direct talks with Moscow. US intermediaries do not rule out possible talks with Vladimir Putin. If Russia rejects the proposed peace plan, this could prolong the war.
For now, the key task is finding solutions that preserve US and European support for Ukraine’s security. How the Kremlin will respond to these initiatives remains uncertain.
