Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States is pressing Kyiv to withdraw its forces from Donbas as part of a broader discussion on security guarantees. In an interview with Reuters, he said Washington is prepared to move toward a full agreement only if that condition is met.
Zelensky reacted cautiously to the reported demand. He warned that a troop pullback from eastern Ukraine could create serious risks not only for his country, but also for Europe’s wider security. According to him, the eastern regions remain an essential part of Ukraine’s national defense system and cannot be treated as a secondary issue.
Reports indicate the topic was also raised during a meeting between US and Ukrainian delegations in Miami. The idea of withdrawing Ukrainian troops from Donbas has previously been mentioned as one of Russia’s key conditions, making the latest discussion especially sensitive for Kyiv.
The development may point to a shift in Washington’s approach toward Ukraine. The United States appears to be trying to combine military support with diplomatic pressure in an effort to push the conflict toward a settlement, even as Kyiv signals deep concern over the possible consequences.
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