Zelensky Rejects Revised U.S. Proposal That Still Demands Ukrainian Withdrawal from Donbas

Background

The United States recently unveiled a revised security assistance package for Kyiv that, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, continues to contain a clause urging Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the Donbas region. The demand has sparked sharp criticism in Kyiv, where officials argue that any such condition undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and the ongoing fight against Russian aggression.

Ukrainian Response

In a televised address, Zelensky firmly rejected the provision, stating that “the territorial integrity of Ukraine is non‑negotiable.” He emphasized that the Donbas remains a battlefield where Ukrainian troops are defending their country against an illegal occupation, and that no diplomatic document should compel them to abandon the front lines.

European Involvement

Following Kyiv’s objection, the European Union and several member states submitted a counter‑proposal to Washington. The joint document calls for the removal of any language that conditions assistance on territorial concessions, urging the United States to focus on strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities rather than imposing political prerequisites.

Implications for the Conflict

The standoff highlights the persistent gap between Western allies and the Ukrainian government over the war’s political settlement. While the United States continues to provide billions of dollars in military aid, the insistence on a Donbas withdrawal threatens to stall further assistance and could embolden Moscow’s diplomatic strategy.

Looking Ahead

Diplomats say that negotiations over the aid package will resume in the coming weeks, with Kyiv demanding a clear break from any “territorial demands.” As the conflict rages on, the outcome of these talks will likely shape the next phase of international support for Ukraine’s fight to reclaim its occupied territories.