Ukraine and Russia discuss new format for troop withdrawal from Donbas - NYT

Read also: Did Ukraine and Russia reach agreement in Geneva? Exclusive details of meeting

Sources told the outlet that during consultations in recent weeks, Ukraine and the aggressor country discussed the idea of creating a demilitarized zone that would not be controlled by either army.

"This revives a proposal that was included in prior peace plans, including a 28-point one floated by the Trump administration in November," the outlet writes.

It is noted that, in order to make it easier for both sides to accept this idea, negotiators also discussed establishing a free trade zone within any potential demilitarized area.

At the same time, The New York Times emphasizes that it would be difficult to create a free trade zone in a territory squeezed between two armies.

Ukraine-Russia talks

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Ukraine and Russia have already agreed on the next round of peace negotiations. However, no details regarding the date or venue have been provided.

The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, confirmed this, saying that the next Ukraine-Russia talks will take place "soon." He also cynically joked about his historical lectures during the meeting, noting that he had "stopped at the Baptism of Rus."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the negotiations between Ukraine and the aggressor country in Geneva could have already reached the final stage, but Russia is attempting to drag them out.

At the same time, The New York Times reported that the Russian President Vladimir Putin remains confident in his advantage on the front. He is prepared to continue fighting for at least another two years to establish full control over the territory of the Donetsk region.