Vladimir Zelensky noted that a personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin could be a key moment for resolving issues related to territorial disputes. In this regard, he instructed his team to organize the necessary high-level contacts.
According to information from the publication, American mediators proposed a settlement concept that involves the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the controlled territories of Donbas, which could receive the status of a demilitarized "free economic zone." At the same time, Washington's position regarding sovereignty over this zone remains unclear.
Zelensky expressed readiness to discuss the issue of troop withdrawal but emphasized the need for an equivalent withdrawal of Russian forces and rejected Moscow's demands for sovereignty over this territory.
Additionally, the Ukrainian president reported that during the second round of negotiations, the Russian side stated its intention to consult with the authorities in Moscow and present a clearer position regarding the territorial issue.
On February 17, the delegations of Ukraine, the USA, and Russia completed the first day of negotiations in Geneva, covering political and military aspects. The continuation of the work of the negotiation groups is scheduled for the morning of February 18, and official statements from the parties are expected as a result.
