'That's a lie': Rubio slams Zelenskyy over US ultimatum claim
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called "a lie" remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about security guarantees in exchange for the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas during a press conference.
According to him, Washington did not set any conditions for Ukraine regarding troop withdrawals.
"That’s a lie. I saw him say that, and it's unfortunate he would say that because he knows that's not true," Rubio stated.
The US Secretary of State said that Ukrainian authorities had been told something different. He stressed that the point was that security guarantees "are not going to kick in until there's an end to a war."
Rubio lashes out at Zelenskyy’s statement on US ultimatum pic.twitter.com/4gf21YbEhi
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) March 27, 2026
Rubio emphasized that this was not linked to any demand for concessions.
"That was not attached to, unless he gives up territory. I don't know why he says these things. It's just not true," he added.
What preceded this
On Wednesday, March 25, Zelenskyy said that the United States had set a condition under which Ukraine would have to withdraw its troops from Donbas to receive security guarantees.
According to the Ukrainian President, Washington is ready to finalize these guarantees "at a high level" as soon as Kyiv agrees to take this step. Zelenskyy warned that such a move would threaten the security of both Ukraine and Europe.
The Donbas issue in negotiations
In 2026, Ukraine, with US mediation, had already held several rounds of talks with Russia. The sides have failed to reach an agreement even on a ceasefire, as Russia is demanding control over non-occupied parts of Donbas — something Kyiv refuses to accept.
Zelenskyy has rejected any exchange of Donbas territory for other regions. He stressed that Russia understands it may be able to hold border areas temporarily, but the time will come when Ukrainian forces push the Russian army out.
In addition, the Ukrainian President has emphasized that future negotiations must include a meeting at the leaders’ level, as only such a format can produce decisions on territorial issues.
