Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Kyiv is examining a US proposal to establish a free economic zone in Donbas, according to an interview with Bloomberg.
The proposal envisions creating a zone with special legal and tax regimes in areas from which troops would be withdrawn. “The format is difficult but fair,” Zelenskyy said.
The president explained that the plan would require Russia to "mirror" Ukraine's steps and would need domestic discussion. The zone could be established in certain parts of eastern Donbas and would serve as a compromise requiring both sides to withdraw military forces to a sufficient distance to ensure normal life in the region.
Zelenskyy outlined an alternative scenario involving a cessation of hostilities with troops remaining at their current positions, while unresolved issues would be addressed through diplomatic channels. “It’s about freezing the contact line, not the conflict,” the president said, adding that such an arrangement would be easier to implement and monitor by Ukraine's foreign allies.
The Ukrainian leader also said he wants to personally discuss with President Donald Trump specific US commitments in the event of renewed Russian aggression. “I don’t want everything to end up in them merely promising to react,” Zelenskyy said. “I really want something more concrete.”
According to media reports, Zelenskyy and Trump will travel to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where they will hold a meeting.
Trump recently stated he is prepared to commit to US participation in Ukraine's future defense, but only because he is confident Russia will not attempt to invade again.
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