Zelensky Must Decide Today on Ukrainian Forces Withdrawal from Donbas

Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has expressed the opinion that Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, must "decide today" on the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas territory and retreat beyond the administrative borders of the Donetsk region. This statement came in response to recent remarks made by the Ukrainian leader, who indicated that Russian forces plan to seize control of Donbas within the next two months.

In a prior announcement, President Zelensky revealed that Russian officials claim they will capture Donbas in two months, which is why Ukraine should utilize this time to exit the region, as "then the war will end." Zelensky stated, "Now there are new deadlines. They told (the American side – Ed.) that in two months (this is the latest information), they will capture the east of our state, quoting them, they will seize Donbas. Therefore, Ukraine has two months to leave, and then the war will end."

The Ukrainian president further emphasized that if Ukraine does not withdraw from Donbas within the specified timeframe, Russia will take over the territory, leading to new conditions being imposed. "If Ukraine does not exit within two months, Russia will capture Donbas, and then there will be other conditions," he added.

In response to these statements, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed the urgency for Zelensky to make a decision regarding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas. "Zelensky should have made such a decision yesterday, as we said – take responsibility and make this difficult decision. This could save the lives of many people and, most importantly, would allow us to stop the hot phase of the war," Peskov noted.

During the Bucha summit held on March 31, Volodymyr Zelensky also commented that the issue of ending the war is not solely about Ukraine withdrawing from the Donetsk region. "A logical question, if their goal is only Donbas, this is my question to our American colleagues, then if they can capture Donbas, why do they say they will go further, then there will be other conditions? So the question is still not just about Donbas," the president was quoted by Interfax-Ukraine.

Zelensky expressed confidence that Russian forces would not be able to capture Donbas in two months, and that they are attempting to exert pressure. "America can pressure Russia. Today, Russia is pressuring America because the midterm election moment is approaching. This moment is approaching, and it is clear that the U.S. needs to take various steps, both internally and externally politically. We very much hope for a negotiating track, to still return the issue to logic," the Ukrainian president stated.

Additionally, Volodymyr Zelensky announced a video meeting with representatives from the American side on Wednesday, April 1. It is known that from the Ukrainian side, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov will participate in this conversation, while from the American side, special envoy from Trump Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be involved. Zelensky indicated that the discussion will focus on the issues related to "where we are," as well as preparations for a possible trilateral meeting.

The President of Ukraine also emphasized that he intends to present a new proposal regarding an energy truce to the U.S., but so far there have been no signals from the Russian side indicating readiness for negotiations.