Kremlin dismisses Donbas free economic zone proposal
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia considers Donbas its own territory and that it is "unlikely" to be governed by a "third party."
On August 25, the Kremlin firmly rejected a U.S.-backed plan to create a free economic zone within Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming the territory is wholly Russian. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking to journalists, emphasized that Russia regards the partially occupied Donbas, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as integral to its sovereignty and has incorporated this view into its constitution.
This stance has emerged as a major obstacle in ongoing peace negotiations, as Ukraine remains steadfast in advocating for a ceasefire along existing frontlines, rather than ceding any additional territory. Peskov's remarks followed President Volodymyr Zelensky's announcement that a draft peace plan, crafted by Ukraine, the United States, and European allies, incorporated Washington's proposal for a buffer zone in Donbas.
The Ukrainian leader explained that this arrangement would entail "both sides taking equal steps back," establishing the buffer zone under the administration of a neutral third party. While the specific administration remains uncertain, Zelensky described it as a collaborative effort. The peace proposal also proposed a ceasefire and delineated the potential roles of NATO and the European Union in facilitating the resolution.
Zelensky further noted a potential window to advance talks between the December G20 summit in the United States and the conclusion of the following summer, when the U.S. presidential election campaign commences.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
