Le Monde reports that Kyiv has reportedly accepted a US-backed proposal to create a demilitarized zone in parts of Donbas, potentially designating the area as a 'special economic zone.' US officials are pressing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to approve the arrangement, while Moscow says ties with Washington have improved. Zelenskyy warned the talks remain fragile, saying, "The final mile is the hardest." Any agreement involving territorial concessions would be politically sensitive and uncertain.
Ukraine Reportedly Poised to Cede Donbas Territory Under US-Backed Peace Proposal
Le Monde reports that Kyiv has reportedly agreed to make territorial concessions as part of a proposed peace settlement with Russia, a development that could revive a stalled US-backed initiative. According to the report, Kyiv and several European partners have accepted a US proposal to establish a demilitarized zone in parts of the Donbas; Washington has suggested designating the area as a 'special economic zone.'
Diplomatic Push and Reactions
US officials are said to be pressing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept the arrangement. Moscow has responded by saying there are no longer any 'misunderstandings' with Washington, indicating improved bilateral communications on the proposal.
Zelenskyy, however, cautioned that any final agreement remains uncertain.
"The final mile is the hardest. Everything could fall apart for many reasons," he said, highlighting the fragility of negotiations.
Observers note that while the proposal could break a diplomatic impasse, it raises significant political and security questions. Any deal that involves territorial concessions would be politically sensitive in Ukraine, require buy-in from European partners, and face scrutiny from domestic stakeholders and the public.
Source: Le Monde; reporting attributed to Ukrainian and Western officials.
