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Zelensky Proposes Troop Withdrawal from Donbas for Economic Zone

12/27/2025

Center

Zelensky Proposes Troop Withdrawal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a plan to withdraw troops from Donbas as a demilitarized "free economic zone".
The plan would include security guarantees from the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and European allies.
Zelensky said any withdrawal would be policed by Ukraine, rejecting Russian oversight.
The plan requires ratification by the Ukrainian parliament and a nationwide referendum.

Left

Zelensky Condemns Russia

On December 26, Ukraine's Ministry of Energy condemned Russia's licensing of a Zaporizhzhia reactor as illegal under international law.
The ministry said the plant remains under Ukraine's jurisdiction and restarting operations threatens safety amid ongoing conflict.
It called for sanctions on Russia's nuclear sector and a response from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a 20-point peace plan, including Zaporizhzhia operations with the United States and Ukraine's security guarantees.

History

Historical Context

The Budapest Memorandum, signed on December 5, 1994, by Ukraine, the U.S., Russia, and the U.K., provided security assurances in exchange for Ukraine's nuclear disarmament. However, Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and ongoing aggression in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia have undermined these commitments. President Zelensky's recent calls for security guarantees highlight the urgent need for international support to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty.

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Zelensky Proposes Troop Withdrawal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a plan to withdraw troops from Donbas as a demilitarized "free economic zone".
The plan would include security guarantees from the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and European allies.
Zelensky said any withdrawal would be policed by Ukraine, rejecting Russian oversight.
The plan requires ratification by the Ukrainian parliament and a nationwide referendum.

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