Russia is not prepared to conclude the war without stipulations for Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Donbas region. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that neither the United States nor Europe can currently assure that Russia will not advance further once this demand is met. One potential ceasefire option being discussed with U.S. and European officials includes a reciprocal withdrawal of forces and the establishment of a buffer “free economic zone” managed by a third party. Ukraine is open to negotiating a halt to attacks on energy and agricultural infrastructure, but only on a mutual basis.
