Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he has accepted the US proposal to hold the next round of negotiations on ending the war with Russia on February 17-18. Elchi.az reports with reference to “Bloomberg” that the Ukrainian leader said this in a telephone interview with the agency.
According to him, the new round of negotiations is scheduled for February 17-18, but it is not yet known whether Russia will agree to participate in the meeting. One of the topics of discussion will be Washington’s proposal to create a free economic zone as a buffer in eastern Donbas.
“Neither side is happy with the idea of a free economic zone – neither the Russians nor us. Our points of view on this issue are different,” Zelenskyy noted.
He also called the round of negotiations held earlier this month in Abu Dhabi between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States constructive. According to the President, the war could end in a few months, provided that the negotiations are conducted in good faith.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv considers Donbas its territory and supports its administration by Ukraine.
“If this is our territory – which it is – then it should be managed by the country to which the territory belongs,” he said.
According to the President, ceasefire mechanisms and possible monitoring of its observance with the participation of the United States were discussed in previous negotiations. However, the parties could not agree on the details without making political decisions at a higher level.
Zelenskyy also noted that the next stage of negotiations may cover post-war planning and economic issues. Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev will also be included in the Ukrainian delegation to discuss a package of measures with the United States to ensure economic recovery.
At the same time, Zelenskyy warned about the serious financial challenges that Ukraine will face in the process of restoring and maintaining its defense capabilities. According to him, a precise financing mechanism with the participation of European countries is necessary, because even the use of frozen Russian assets will not meet the country’s long-term needs.