In a recent interview with Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States has conditioned its security guarantees on Ukraine withdrawing its troops from the Donbas region. He emphasized that such a withdrawal would jeopardize both Ukraine’s and Europe’s security by allowing Russia to gain control over well-fortified defensive positions.
Zelensky expressed a desire for the U.S. to recognize that the eastern part of Ukraine is integral to its security assurances. He noted that current U.S. focus appears to be on the conflict with Iran, which he believes influences President Trump’s decisions regarding Ukraine. Zelensky remarked, “Unfortunately, in my opinion, President Trump continues to adopt a strategy of increasing pressure on the Ukrainian side.” The White House has yet to comment on these assertions.
Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, a special representative of the Russian president, expressed satisfaction with Zelensky’s acknowledgment that U.S. security guarantees would only be provided if Ukraine withdraws from Donbas. Dmitriev stated that Zelensky’s comments were encouraging.
In January, Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine’s stance on territorial integrity remains unchanged and that any compromises must be mutual. He also stated that bilateral security guarantees from the U.S. are “100% ready,” and Kyiv is awaiting their formalization.
Previously, in December, Zelensky mentioned that any potential territorial decisions should be made by the Ukrainian people through elections or referendums. In response, Russian aide Yuri Ushakov claimed that “all of Donbas is Russian.”
Earlier this month, President Trump remarked in an NBC News interview that Zelensky’s position is hindering a peace agreement. He stated, “I’m surprised that Zelensky doesn’t want to make a deal. Tell Zelensky to make a deal because Putin is ready to make a deal. It’s much harder to deal with Zelensky.”
Zelensky has countered that the U.S. should apply more pressure on Russia rather than on Ukraine. He stated, “We do not trust Russia, but I believe that Americans truly want to end this war. I hope they will help us, but more pressure needs to be applied to Russia, not to me.”
Throughout January and February, several trilateral meetings involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia took place to discuss ending the war, though specific outcomes were not disclosed. However, a meeting on February 5 resulted in an agreement for a prisoner exchange, the first in five months.
A subsequent meeting scheduled for early March in Abu Dhabi was postponed indefinitely due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Despite U.S. mediation efforts to resolve the conflict, Russia has shown no willingness to soften its demands, which include Ukraine relinquishing control over Donbas. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have noted that Russian officials indicate that Moscow will not settle for mere territorial concessions.
In contrast, Ukraine continues to advocate for robust security guarantees from the U.S. and European allies to protect against future Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that U.S. security guarantees are contingent upon Ukraine withdrawing its troops from Donbas. This condition raises concerns about the security of both Ukraine and Europe, as it could allow Russia to strengthen its position in the region.