Zelensky: Russia demands Ukraine withdraw from Donbas within two months
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement during his speech at the Bucha Summit 2026, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
"So far, what Russia wants and what its partners are spreading is that they see an end to the war or the active phase of the war, when Ukraine withdraws from the east after making this decision. The issue is that now they [the Russians] are telling the American side new deadlines. I’m surprised anyone can believe this. I’m just surprised—this has been going on for so long. Now there are new deadlines. They said (this is the latest information) that in two months they will capture the east of our country—to quote them, they will capture Donbas. And so Ukraine has two months to withdraw, and then the war will end. “And if Ukraine doesn’t withdraw within two months, then Russia will capture Donbas, and then there will be other conditions,” Zelensky noted.
According to him, in this case, one can ask a logical question: if the Russians’ goal is only Donbas, why is the Russian side saying that it will go further and that there will be other conditions?
“So, in my view, the issue is not really about Donbas after all,” he emphasized.
The President noted that the Russians fully understand they won’t be able to seize Donbas in two months, which is why, in the Head of State’s opinion, they are resorting to pressuring their partners.
At the same time, the President added that the Ukrainian side has been and remains ready for a compromise.
“It [the compromise] is linked to the fact that we are ready for a ceasefire where we stand. I believe this is a strong compromise, both in terms of behavior and the Ukrainian side’s stance, in order to move toward diplomacy,” Zelensky emphasized.
As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed doubt that Russia plans to carry out a general mobilization in the near future, although he noted that he does not have comprehensive information on this matter.
