Zelenskyy: Moscow demands Ukraine withdraw from Donbas within two months

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said Russia had set new conditions for ending the war, demanding that Ukrainian forces leave the Donbas region within two months.

Zelenskyy stated Moscow, reportedly through the US, was presenting new deadlines for Ukraine’s withdrawal from the east of the country.

“Currently, what Russia wants, as shared by partners, is that the end of the war - or at least its hot phase - would be defined by Ukraine leaving the eastern territories,” he said.

The President expressed surprise that such statements could be taken seriously after so many years of conflict.

“They say that if Ukraine does not withdraw within two months, Russia will occupy Donbas and impose further conditions,” he added.

Zelenskyy also questioned Moscow’s true intentions, noting that if Donbas were the only goal, it is unclear why Russia threatens further escalation. He suggested that Russia is attempting to influence the US, citing the upcoming midterm elections as a factor driving American responsiveness both domestically and internationally.

Zelenskyy noted that Moscow’s real objectives are far broader than publicly stated.