Trump's Deal: There Will Be No Troops in the 'Free Economic Zone' of Donbas 0 10

The latest version of the peace plan that Ukraine submitted to the United States involves the withdrawal of Russian and Ukrainian troops from Donbas and the creation of a 'free economic zone' in the region, informed sources told Politico. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has reviewed the plan proposed by Ukraine. The document is expected to be discussed by the U.S., Ukraine, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on Saturday, December 12.

At the same time, Politico's sources expressed doubt that Russia would support the proposal to create a 'free economic zone' in a demilitarized Donbas. According to them, Trump views Ukraine as the weaker side in the conflict, primarily due to a recent corruption scandal. 'The White House is using this corruption scandal to pressure Zelensky,' one of the publication's sources noted. Until now, Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Kyiv withdraw troops from Donbas to end the war. He has also stated that this region is historically Russian territory and will be returned to Moscow by military or other means.

Meanwhile, Zelensky reported that the idea of creating a 'free economic zone' in the Ukrainian-controlled territories of Donbas was voiced by the U.S. According to him, Washington sees a compromise in Ukrainian troops withdrawing from this territory while Russian troops do not enter. At the same time, it remains unclear who will manage this zone. Zelensky also emphasized that any territorial concessions to Russia must be approved by Ukrainians in a referendum.

Additionally, Zelensky stated that during negotiations for a peaceful settlement, the withdrawal of Russian troops from small areas of land in the northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy regions, as well as in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, is being discussed. The lines of contact in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions will remain where they are. According to the Ukrainian president, the U.S. also proposed considering joint management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control.