The Kremlin rejected the idea of creating a “buffer zone” in Donbas, stating that it considers the region its territory. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov categorically expressed Moscow’s disagreement with this initiative, which Ukraine is promoting as part of a joint plan with the USA. He made the comments in an interview with the Russian news agency “Interfax”.
“In this context, I would still say that Donbas is the territory of the Russian Federation, a subject of the Russian Federation… And hardly any third party can manage the regions of the RF.” — said the Kremlin spokesman. His words indicate that Moscow is not prepared to abandon its claims, despite ongoing negotiations for a peaceful settlement.
Statements about “openness to peace” and “victory”
Peskov also said that Russia remains “open to peace”, but continues the war because it sees no alternative means of resolution. “Russia continues to be open to peaceful ways of resolving the conflict, but in the absence of such methods we continue the special military operation,” he noted.
He added that Russia “not only expects, but is convinced that victory will be ours,” while also acknowledging that “the outcome will depend on the current situation.”
Initiative of Ukraine and the USA
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky said that among the possible options for ending hostilities is the creation of a free economic zone in Donbas, to be managed by a third party.
According to the Ukrainian leader, special envoys of US President Donald Trump — Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff — are putting forward peace initiatives. They intend to coordinate these proposals with both the Ukrainian side and the leadership of the RF.
“In short, one idea for a ceasefire is the main proposal. The second part is what the Americans suggested regarding a free economic zone. We and the ‘Russians’ would take equal steps back, creating a buffer called a free economic zone under some form of management. It is not yet clear what that will be, but it will involve a third party,” explained Zelensky.
Source: UNIAN
