Ukraine is willing to make “many compromises” for peace, but the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from Donbass is still a “red line” for President Vladimir Zelensky. The German tabloid Bild writes about this.
Therefore, the Ukrainian leader is ready to discuss the republic's refusal to join NATO and hold elections in the short term, but refuses to withdraw troops from the Donbass region controlled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Ukraine is ready to agree to both points under certain conditions. However, the country will also have to cede some territories to Russia. This is unacceptable to Ukrainians,” the document said.
Bild quoted an unnamed Ukrainian official as saying that Kiev “will not accept” the proposal to withdraw troops because it would be equivalent to surrender. In contrast, Ukraine proposed that Russia withdraw its troops similarly.
Zelensky's office revealed its actions after negotiations with Witkoff
“If Ukrainian troops are retreating, say, five to 10 kilometers, why aren't Russian troops also retreating a similar distance deep into the occupied territories?” the source said.
Previously, Special Envoy of the US President Steve Witkoff said that the Ukrainian and US delegations at the negotiations in Berlin had achieved significant progress. The meeting with the participation of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, his adviser and son-in-law of US leader Jared Kushner lasted 5 hours. The parties discussed the US's 20-point peace plan and economic issues. The negotiation process will continue on the morning of December 15.
