The Ukrainian government has firmly stated that it will not accept any peace agreement with Russia that grants the aggressor control over the entirety of the Donbas region. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that any potential agreement must be subject to a referendum in Ukraine.
Zelensky indicated that a proposal merely involving the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donetsk region would likely be rejected by the public. He remarked, “Emotionally, people will never forgive this. Never. They will not forgive… me, they will not forgive (the U.S.)”. The president noted that Ukrainians struggle to comprehend why they are being asked to make additional territorial concessions.
However, he added that if any agreement were to formalize the current frontline in Donbas, it might gain public support. “I believe that if we stipulate in the document… that we remain where we are on the line of contact, I think people would support this in a referendum. This is my opinion,” Zelensky stated.
Negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have been ongoing since last month, with the first two rounds held in Abu Dhabi. The third round commenced on February 17 and will continue through February 18 in Geneva.
Details of the discussions have not been disclosed, although Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary, Rustem Umerov, mentioned that the parties discussed “practical mechanisms for possible solutions”. Progress towards a peace agreement remains elusive due to conflicting territorial positions between Ukraine and Russia. The aggressor nation seeks to gain full control over the Donetsk region, where its advances have faced significant challenges.
In contrast, Ukraine insists on establishing an unconditional ceasefire, with any negotiations based on the current demarcation line.
President Zelensky of Ukraine has reiterated that any peace agreement with Russia must be approved through a referendum, emphasizing public sentiment against territorial concessions. Ongoing negotiations face significant challenges due to differing territorial claims.