Representatives of Ukraine and Russia in negotiations involving the U.S., which took place in recent weeks, discussed the idea of creating a demilitarized zone in the Donetsk region that would not be controlled by either the Ukrainian or Russian armies, the "New York Times" reports, citing three sources familiar with the negotiations, as reported by LETA referencing Meduza.
Thus, the idea is being revived, which was part of previous peace proposals, including the 28-point plan proposed in November by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the publication notes.
To make this proposal acceptable to both sides, the participants in the negotiations also discussed the creation of a free trade zone in the demilitarized zone, sources reported.
The parties also discussed the idea of establishing a civilian administration in the demilitarized zone that would govern the territory after the war.
The administration could include representatives from both Russia and Ukraine, one of the sources said.
At the same time, the parties have not yet reached any agreements.
During the negotiations in Abu Dhabi on February 4 and 5, Ukrainian representatives discussed the possibility of a partial withdrawal of Russian armed forces from the front line, the newspaper writes.
The troop withdrawal could be asymmetrical, sources reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously insisted on an equal withdrawal of troops.
Assistant to the Russian dictator Yuri Ushakov had earlier stated that Russia could agree to the creation of a demilitarized zone if Russian police or National Guard troops were allowed to patrol it.
Ukraine insists that international peacekeeping forces should be deployed in the demilitarized zone. According to Kyiv, 190,000 people live in this area.
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