Zelensky Says Considering Ceasefire but Not Considering Withdrawal
Xinhua News Agency, Kyiv, October 22 (Reporter Li Dongxu) - Ukrainian President Zelensky stated in an interview with British media on the 22nd that a ceasefire is the biggest concession Ukraine can make at the moment. He also hinted at rejecting the demand for troop withdrawal from Donbas.
According to a report by the Ukrainian International News Agency, Zelensky said during the interview that Ukraine is willing to discuss security guarantees and ceasefire issues, but Russia still hopes for greater concessions from Ukraine. "If we withdraw our troops, where is the security guarantee? Not to mention that the withdrawal itself is not fair."
Zelensky stated that Russia demands Ukraine to withdraw troops from Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkivka.
Zelensky expressed that if these cities are handed over to Russia, Ukraine will face enormous security risks, and once hostilities resume, the Russian army will be able to advance from these cities into the Ukrainian heartland and occupy a "large" number of cities.
Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on October 22, 2023, that Ukraine is willing to discuss a ceasefire but will not agree to troop withdrawals from Donbas. He highlighted the security risks associated with such withdrawals, particularly from cities like Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, which could allow Russian forces to advance into Ukraine.
- Zelensky stated that a ceasefire is the maximum concession Ukraine can make.
- He rejected the demand for troop withdrawal from Donbas.
- Zelensky emphasized the security risks of withdrawing troops from key cities.
- The Russian side demands withdrawal from Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkivka.