Ukraine explores free economic zone, but details remain under wraps
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while answering journalists' questions, said that for now, there is no discussion of creating a demilitarized zone in Donbas. The talks are currently focused on a free economic zone.
The President said there is already a clear understanding of how monitoring the ceasefire should work. It will be ensured by Ukraine's partners.
"There is a clear understanding here. Our partners will provide it, there will also be technical monitoring and presence, everything will be clear, and all these details will be included in the security guarantees for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, the question of who would control a possible so-called demilitarized free zone in Donbas has not yet been worked out. Zelenskyy emphasized that for now, the discussion is only about a free economic zone.
"At the moment, we are talking about a free economic zone. There are no details yet, but everyone has started discussing this issue," the President said.
In response to journalists' questions, Zelenskyy added that a detailed concept for a free economic zone in Donbas does not yet exist, but once it is developed, it will be discussed with the public.
"Regarding withdrawal from Donbas. It's not news that the Russians want this. In their rosy dreams, they hope we would not exist at all on our territory, and these dreams have been around for many years. But we have our land, our territorial integrity, our state, and our interests. We will act in accordance with Ukraine’s interests," Zelenskyy stressed.
Buffer zone
Earlier, Western media reported that European leaders are considering the possibility of creating a 40-kilometer buffer zone between the Russian and Ukrainian front lines as part of a peace agreement.
Specifically, according to Europe's proposal, after creating a demilitarized zone, peacekeepers would be sent there to monitor the ceasefire. However, it is still unclear how many peacekeepers would be needed in Ukraine.
Ukraine is reportedly ready to agree to the creation of a demilitarized zone in Donbas, which would be an important territorial concession to help end the war with Russia.
The media also reports that in the US peace plan, only Ukraine would withdraw troops from demilitarized territories; the US does not make this demand of Russia.
