President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the idea of ending the war by withdrawing Ukrainian troops from Donbas has nothing to do with reality. According to him, such proposals effectively give Russia the opportunity to regroup forces and prepare new stages of aggression.
The Ukrainian leader said this in an interview with the Italian TV channel Rai Italia on March 5, 2026, commenting on Moscow’s statements that the conflict could allegedly end if Ukraine leaves Donbas. Zelensky emphasized: such logic has been heard from the Kremlin more than once, but each time it was accompanied not by peace, but by an escalation of hostilities.
The President of Ukraine noted that Kyiv cannot build a security strategy based on the promises of a country that has repeatedly violated international agreements.
Donbas as a key line of defense for Ukraine
Why Kyiv does not trust the Kremlin’s statements
Commenting on the statements of the Russian leadership about the possible end of the war under certain conditions, Zelensky said directly: it is impossible to trust such words. In his opinion, the experience of recent years shows that Moscow’s diplomatic statements are often used as a tool to buy time.
He reminded that even during periods of negotiations or temporary reductions in the intensity of hostilities, the Russian army continued to strengthen its military presence and prepare for new offensives.
According to Zelensky, this is why Ukraine must consider any negotiations exclusively through the prism of real security guarantees, not political promises.
“Despite all the words that have previously come from Russia, the aggression has only intensified. We simply cannot trust the Russian side,” said the President of Ukraine.
Why the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army creates new risks
Zelensky explained that the proposal to withdraw Ukrainian troops from Donbas in practice means weakening the country’s defense. Today, Ukrainian fortifications and front lines limit the Russian army’s capabilities for large-scale offensive operations.
If these positions are abandoned, Russia will gain a significant advantage and will be able to quickly increase pressure on other regions of Ukraine.
According to estimates by the Ukrainian leadership, the Russian army will be able to maintain large forces — from several hundred thousand to almost a million military personnel — depending on the scale of future operations.
Zelensky emphasized that the Kremlin could use a possible pause to regroup troops, replenish equipment, and prepare new offensive plans.
Negotiations and proposals for demilitarization
What intermediaries are discussing
During international diplomatic consultations, various options for a possible resolution of the conflict were discussed. Among the proposals considered at different stages of negotiations were demilitarized zones, temporary demarcation lines, and even scenarios of territorial exchanges.
However, according to Zelensky, such options carry serious risks. Any concession can become a starting point for new demands from the Kremlin.
The President emphasized that the Russian strategy is often based on the gradual expansion of demands after receiving initial concessions.
Why Kyiv considers such a scenario dangerous
The Ukrainian leader noted that the withdrawal of troops from Donbas could open the way for the Russian army to further advance. This poses a threat not only to the eastern regions but to the entire defense system of Ukraine.
According to Zelensky, it is the fortified positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that currently restrain Russian offensive capabilities.
“He needs time to prepare, to staff brigades and additional divisions. This requires time. And this is exactly what I consider the real goal of such proposals,” explained the President.
He also posed a rhetorical question that became the key thought of his speech: why should Ukraine trust Moscow’s promises and take steps that could weaken its own security.
The global context of the war
Russia’s war against Ukraine has long become a factor in global politics. It affects the security of Europe, energy markets, and international relations between major powers.
Therefore, any proposals to end the conflict are considered not only in Kyiv and Moscow but also in the capitals of Western countries.
Analysts note that the Kremlin’s strategy is often based on trying to use diplomatic pauses to strengthen military potential.
It is this aspect that experts and journalists pay attention to when analyzing the development of the conflict. In particular, publications by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency emphasize that this model has already been used by Russia before and led to new rounds of war.
Why Donbas remains a central issue of the war
Donbas remains one of the key regions of the war. Control over this region has strategic significance for both Ukraine and Russia.
For Moscow, it is a tool of pressure on Kyiv and a way to maintain constant instability in the region. For Ukraine, it is about preserving territorial integrity and protecting the state.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine cannot agree to a scenario in which the country’s security depends on the promises of the aggressor.
According to him, the war will not end when Ukraine retreats from its territory, but when the very possibility of further aggression disappears.
That is why the issue of Donbas remains a central element of both Kyiv’s military strategy and international negotiations on the future security of Europe.