Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that the United States is pushing his country to withdraw its troops from eastern Ukraine to establish a "free economic zone" in areas Moscow wants to control. This move comes as part of a 20-point counter-proposal framework presented by Ukraine, which includes security guarantees for Ukraine and aims to prevent Russian aggression.
In discussions with top US officials, Zelenskyy confirmed that any territorial concessions would need to be put to a referendum in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president stated that the proposed buffer area is being described as an "economic free zone" by the US team, while Russia refers to it as a "demilitarised zone." However, this has raised concerns among Ukraine's allies about who will govern this territory.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the people of Ukraine will answer this question through elections or a referendum. The Ukrainian president rejected the idea of unilateral withdrawal of troops from the Donetsk region, where Ukraine controls one-fifth of the territory. He pointed out that the other side of the war should also pull back its forces in other directions.
The US is pushing for security guarantees as a key element in any peace negotiations moving forward. Zelenskyy stated that these guarantees must provide concrete answers on actions to be taken if Russia decides to launch another aggression.
Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte warned that Russia could use military force against the alliance within five years. He urged European leaders to rapidly increase defense spending and production, emphasizing that "the time for action is now."
In other developments, Ukraine's allies are discussing mobilizing frozen Russian sovereign assets in an effort to provide Kyiv with much-needed funding. The European Commission is pushing to tap 200 billion euros of Russian central bank assets immobilized in the bloc.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Thursday that his country is holding the "strategic initiative" on the battlefield, despite Ukraine's denials of any withdrawal of troops from the Donetsk region. Ukrainian long-range drones also hit a Russian oil rig in the Caspian Sea, halting oil and gas extraction from more than 20 wells.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy stated that a ceasefire is needed for elections to be held in Ukraine. The leader, whose term expired last year, is facing renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump to hold a vote.
In discussions with top US officials, Zelenskyy confirmed that any territorial concessions would need to be put to a referendum in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president stated that the proposed buffer area is being described as an "economic free zone" by the US team, while Russia refers to it as a "demilitarised zone." However, this has raised concerns among Ukraine's allies about who will govern this territory.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the people of Ukraine will answer this question through elections or a referendum. The Ukrainian president rejected the idea of unilateral withdrawal of troops from the Donetsk region, where Ukraine controls one-fifth of the territory. He pointed out that the other side of the war should also pull back its forces in other directions.
The US is pushing for security guarantees as a key element in any peace negotiations moving forward. Zelenskyy stated that these guarantees must provide concrete answers on actions to be taken if Russia decides to launch another aggression.
Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte warned that Russia could use military force against the alliance within five years. He urged European leaders to rapidly increase defense spending and production, emphasizing that "the time for action is now."
In other developments, Ukraine's allies are discussing mobilizing frozen Russian sovereign assets in an effort to provide Kyiv with much-needed funding. The European Commission is pushing to tap 200 billion euros of Russian central bank assets immobilized in the bloc.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Thursday that his country is holding the "strategic initiative" on the battlefield, despite Ukraine's denials of any withdrawal of troops from the Donetsk region. Ukrainian long-range drones also hit a Russian oil rig in the Caspian Sea, halting oil and gas extraction from more than 20 wells.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy stated that a ceasefire is needed for elections to be held in Ukraine. The leader, whose term expired last year, is facing renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump to hold a vote.
so like this is where things stand right 
. need to figure out how to make peace without giving up too much territory 
. And now the US is pushing for a referendum or something, which sounds super complicated... how do you even have a fair vote when there are like, multiple sides involved? 
. What even is an "economic free zone"? Sounds like a way for Russia to just keep control over some areas without actually giving them back 
. And what about Ukraine's people? They get to decide who governs their own territory through elections or a referendum, but what if someone else tries to influence the outcome? 
. We need concrete action plans in place before things escalate further 
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. And NATO's all like "increase defense spending", but how much is that gonna help when Russia just pulls out its own troops? 
... they're talking about increasing defense spending, but it's been happening for years and nothing's really changed. Can't we just step up the effort already? 
And what about the people living in those areas? Who gets to decide their fate, huh? 
I don't know, man. This all feels super complicated and uncertain. Can we just get some clarity on what's going on here? 
Both sides are trying to outlast each other but it's getting old. Zelenskyy's proposal sounds like a good compromise, but what if Russia doesn't play ball? 
That's the real concern here... 
And can we talk about how Russia is trying to spin this as a strategic initiative while Ukraine is just trying to survive? 
. It seems like Ukraine wants to protect its territory and security, but the US is pushing for some concessions. I don't blame Zelenskyy for wanting guarantees that Russia won't just attack again 
I think it's actually kinda cool that the US and Ukraine are talking about creating a "free economic zone" in eastern Ukraine! It shows they're willing to work together on something positive 
. And yeah, it might be tricky to figure out who's in charge of this "economic free zone" thing, but I guess it's better than just leaving it up to Russia 
Even the NATO chief is warning about Russia's military capabilities, but at least he's also encouraging European leaders to boost their defense spending – that's like, super responsible 
I mean, what's going on with this "free economic zone" thing? Is it like some kinda Trojan horse for Russia to get a foothold in Ukraine? 
I don't trust the US on this one, they're always playing both sides against each other. And now we're talking about security guarantees and referendums... who's gonna be in charge of this zone anyway? 
.