The U.S. is linking security guarantees to the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donbas — Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the United States is offering Ukraine security guarantees in exchange for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the unoccupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. 

Zelenskyy made this statement in an interview with Reuters on March 25.

According to the head of state, the Donald Trump administration is ready to finalize the relevant document at the highest level only if this requirement is met. Zelenskyy emphasized that Washington’s strategy is a form of pressure on Kyiv, not on Moscow, and poses a threat to the security of Ukraine and all of Europe.

The U.S. side seeks a swift end to the war due to its focus on its own military conflict with Iran. The President of Ukraine noted that Russia is deliberately making demands regarding the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the east, counting on the U.S. losing interest in protracted negotiations. According to Zelenskyy, the White House’s readiness to conclude Operation “Epic Rage” in the Middle East and calls to conserve interceptor missiles directly influence Washington’s position regarding Ukrainian territories.

Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on March 25 that the “Epic Rage” military operation against Iran is nearing its conclusion. 

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated on March 25 that the U.S. would launch an unprecedentedly powerful strike against Iran if Tehran did not immediately cease its resistance.

Prior to this, Iranian leaders rejected the U.S. proposal for a “framework” of a potential agreement to end the war.