Ukraine is considering a potential withdrawal of troops from the east, but only if Russia reciprocates, as part of a plan to establish a free economic zone, according to recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The proposal, initially suggested by the United States, faces significant hurdles, including the need for a national referendum and Russia’s likely opposition to foreign peacekeeping forces.
Ukraine Considers Troop Withdrawal Under Specific Conditions
The latest proposal outlines that Ukraine would consider withdrawing its forces from the east if Russia were to do the same, with the aim of creating a free economic zone not controlled by either military. Zelenskyy indicated that any such agreement would require a national referendum, a challenging undertaking without a ceasefire in place.
Establishing the free economic zone would necessitate determining control of the territory, potentially involving foreign peacekeepers. Russia has previously expressed opposition to the stationing of foreign troops in Ukraine, and reaching an agreement on contributing countries is expected to be difficult.
Zelenskyy has previously stated that any Ukrainian withdrawal would be contingent on a corresponding Russian withdrawal of equal measure. He has also voiced skepticism about securing the zone, citing potential vulnerabilities to Russian infiltration.
Security Guarantees and Military Size
The current draft of the plan includes a peacetime Ukrainian military of 800,000 troops, an increase from an initial proposal of 600,000. Ukraine has consistently maintained that its own armed forces are its primary security guarantee.
The draft also references security guarantees comparable to NATO’s Article 5, which stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. An earlier version of the plan had prohibited Ukraine’s membership in NATO, a condition deemed unacceptable by Ukrainians who have enshrined joining the alliance in their constitution.
Zelenskyy has emphasized that Ukraine should not be viewed as an impediment to the peace process, but any plan must prevent future generations of Ukrainians from being subjected to war with Russia.
Russian Response and Ongoing Conflict
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the plan but stated that Russia’s main demands “are well known to our colleagues in the US.” Russia intends to “formulate our further position and continue our contacts in the very near future.”
Russia has shown limited interest in reaching a settlement to the war, having declined a Ukrainian request for a Christmas truce. Recent days have seen continued aggressive bombing of Ukraine, targeting the energy grid and causing widespread blackouts. A Russian attack on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of three people, including a 4-year-old child.
Authorities are warning of further bombardment as Ukraine’s energy system faces increased stress due to subzero temperatures.
Incidents in Moscow
A police car exploded in Moscow, killing two officers in the same location where a general was killed by a car bomb two days prior. While Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, Russia has suggested Kyiv’s involvement.
The Russian Investigative Committee reported that two traffic police officers were approaching a suspicious individual near a police car when an explosive device detonated.
Prominent Russian military bloggers have pointed to Ukrainian and European special services, alleging attempts to destabilize Russia. One military correspondent suggested that Ukrainian, British, and US intelligence services are attempting to establish a “second front” within Russia. Another stated the explosion “clearly bears the mocking signature” of Ukrainian and British special services.
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