They will lose the “belt of fortresses”: in ISW named the consequences of a possible exit of the Armed Forces from Donetsk region

Ukraine may lose a strategic “belt of fortresses”, which has been holding on to Russian troops for 11 years, if it agrees from the Donetsk region, according to the new report by the Institute of War Study (ISW).

According to analysts, this defense border extends more than 50 kilometers along the H-20 route Kramatorsk-Slavyansk-Konstantinovka and covers the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka and Konstantinovka. The territories were returned under the control of Ukraine in the spring of 2014 and gradually turned into the basis of the defense infrastructure of Donbass.

ISW warns that Ukraine’s exit from Donetsk region will not only mean the loss of these fortified positions, but also allow the Russian troops to “avoid long and grueling fights in the area.” Russian troops will be able to move west to 82 kilometers in the direction of Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, opening new threats, analysts said.

Experts also emphasize that “any armistice without effective control mechanisms and security guarantees will not stop Russian aggression.” In their view, concessions will be made for the Kremlin by “more favorable conditions” to restore the offensive in the future.

On the eve of Trump admitted Possible “territories exchange” with the Russian Federation, as well as the return of some territories in Ukraine.

“It’s very difficult, but we are going to return some territories. We are going to make some territories exchange. There will be some exchange of territories in favor of both parties, ”he said.

At the same time, Putin told Trump’s specialist Stephen Witcoff that would agree to a full ceasefire“If Ukraine removes troops from all over the eastern part of Donetsk region,” writes The Wall Street Journal.

At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not give its territories to Russia.

“The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question is already in the Constitution of Ukraine. Nobody will be able to deviate from this. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier, ”the Head of State emphasized.

The President says that Ukraine is ready for “real decisions that will lead to peace.” But, as Zelensky stated, “any decisions against Ukraine and without Ukraine-at the same time a decision against peace.”