Security Guarantees in Exchange for Donbas? Zelenskyy Reveals Reported U.S. Condition for Peace Deal

The United States is reportedly linking security guarantees for Ukraine to a potential withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Reuters.

According to him, the U.S. side is ready to finalize high-level security guarantees, but only if Ukraine agrees to relinquish control over the entire eastern Donbas region to Russia.

Zelenskyy noted that this position is shaped, in part, by shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities. In particular, escalating tensions in the Middle East and Washington’s focus on confrontation with Iran appear to be influencing President Donald Trump’s approach to the war in Ukraine.

“Unfortunately, in my opinion, he continues to choose a strategy of increased pressure on the Ukrainian side,” Zelenskyy said.

This year, Ukraine, the United States, and Russia have held three rounds of high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva in an effort to reach a peace agreement. However, key issues remain unresolved, including how Ukraine’s defense capabilities will be financed and how allies would respond in the event of renewed Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy stressed that withdrawing from Donbas would undermine not only Ukraine’s security but also that of Europe, effectively handing over critical defensive positions to Russia.

“The east of our country is part of our security guarantees,” he emphasized.

He also warned about the risk of declining U.S. engagement if negotiations are prolonged — a scenario he believes Russia is counting on.

The fourth round of talks, scheduled for March, was postponed due to escalating tensions involving Iran. Zelenskyy подчеркнул that resolving territorial issues and security guarantees will likely require a direct summit involving Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and himself.

Despite the complex negotiations, Zelenskyy denied any tensions in his relations with the U.S. president, highlighting a shared interest in ending the war as quickly as possible.

He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. administration for continuing deliveries of Patriot air defense systems despite increased global demand, while noting that current supplies remain insufficient.

At the same time, Ukraine is expanding its domestic defense production, particularly long-range missiles and drones, enabling it to strike targets deep inside Russian territory in response to ongoing attacks.