Summary
The U.S. government has denied linking security promises for Ukraine's post-war period to Ukraine's withdrawal from the eastern Donbas region, contradicting statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Zelensky claimed the U.S. would finalize its commitments only if Ukraine was ready to leave Donbas, which remains contested between Ukrainian and Russian forces.
Key Facts
- The U.S. says its security promises for Ukraine are not dependent on Ukraine giving up the Donbas region.
- President Zelensky stated the U.S. wanted Ukraine to pull out from Donbas to secure future protection.
- The Donbas region, consisting of Donetsk and Luhansk, is partly controlled by Russia.
- Russia claims to have annexed all of Donbas, but Ukraine still holds parts of it.
- The U.S. official described Zelensky's comments as false.
- Ukraine's constitution prohibits ceding land to Russia.
- Ongoing war in Ukraine has reached its fifth year, with territorial negotiations stalled.
- President Trump launched a military action against Iran, shifting focus from Ukraine peace talks.
