Zelenskyy explains context of US security guarantees tied to Donbas
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas is currently seen as a condition for ending the war, which in turn is a condition for receiving security guarantees (Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on March 28 that his remarks about potential U.S. security guarantees were not meant to suggest pressure from Washington, responding to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s claim that such statements were false.
Speaking during an online briefing with Ukrainian and international journalists, Zelenskyy said Kyiv had sought to secure binding security guarantees from the United States before the end of the war, but was told such arrangements would only be possible afterward, according to Suspilne.
“It was presented quite directly that we could receive security guarantees from the United States not before a ceasefire or the end of the war, but after our troops withdraw from Donbas — which is seen as a condition for ending the war,” Zelenskyy said.
He clarified that this position reflects the reality of negotiations rather than direct pressure from the United States.
“It may have been interpreted as if the Americans were pressuring us to withdraw in exchange for guarantees. I am not saying they are putting pressure on us. I have never said that, either publicly or otherwise,” Zelenskyy said, as cited by LB.ua.
The president added that the broader context of the war makes clear who is responsible for the situation.
“There is no need to state this loudly. People have enough understanding to analyze the situation. Everyone understands the reasons and the conditions that exist today for ending the war,” he said.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine continues to pursue its own security guarantees, including expanding domestic weapons production, strengthening partnerships with European allies, and maintaining U.S. support programs.
He also warned that the risk of renewed Russian aggression will remain high even after the war ends, making long-term security guarantees critical.
In an interview with Reuters published on March 25, Zelenskyy said the United States was prepared to offer security guarantees to Ukraine if its forces withdrew from Donbas.
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