Story perspectives

Ukraine Denies Demilitarized Zone Talks Amid Stalled Negotiations

12/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

Ukraine is negotiating a proposed demilitarized zone in Donbas.
Le Monde reported Kyiv agreed to a US-backed peace plan.
Ukrainian official Mykhailo Podolyak denies the claim and says discussions are theoretical.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any withdrawal must be reciprocal.
Zelenskyy rejects unilateral withdrawal from Donetsk as negotiations stall over territorial issues.

History

Historical Context

The Minsk Agreements, initiated in 2014 after Ukraine's defeat at Ilovaisk, aimed to cease hostilities between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists. Despite the signing of Minsk II on February 12, 2015, violations persisted, resulting in over 10,000 casualties. The failure to implement these agreements highlights ongoing territorial disputes and the complexities surrounding Ukraine's sovereignty, culminating in Russia's full invasion in February 2022.

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Story summary

Ukraine is negotiating a proposed demilitarized zone in Donbas.
Le Monde reported Kyiv agreed to a US-backed peace plan.
Ukrainian official Mykhailo Podolyak denies the claim and says discussions are theoretical.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any withdrawal must be reciprocal.
Zelenskyy rejects unilateral withdrawal from Donetsk as negotiations stall over territorial issues.

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