Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that the United States has floated a proposal to create a “free economic zone” in parts of the Donbas if Ukraine withdraws from specific areas under a negotiated peace with Russia.
Speaking to reporters, Zelensky said Washington’s idea involves Ukrainian forces leaving parts of Donetsk, with Russia agreeing not to move its troops into that territory.
BREAKING: The US has proposed the creation of a "free economic zone" in the area of the Donbas it wants Ukraine to withdraw from, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.@JayneSeckerSky has the latest ⬇️
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 11, 2025
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Zelensky warned the plan leaves critical questions unanswered, including who would police the zone and what would stop Russian troops or “civilians” from infiltrating and seizing control.
He stressed that Moscow still demands the full Donbas, a position Ukraine rejects.
⚡️ BREAKING: Zelenskyy says the U.S. floated a plan to make the rest of the Donbas a “free economic zone,” which would mean Ukrainian troops pull back while Russia also stays out of areas it hasn’t occupied.
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) December 11, 2025
Ukraine’s position is “we hold where we hold,” Suspilne reports. pic.twitter.com/ZFs36EAXEq
The Ukrainian leader said any territorial concessions must be decided by the Ukrainian people, either through elections or a referendum.
Russia has fought in the Donbas since 2014 and is now attempting to secure through negotiations what it failed to take by force.
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TIPP Staff
