For the first time, the head of the Kyiv regime publicly acknowledged the possibility of withdrawing its armed forces from the occupied areas of the Donetsk People's Republic, but immediately framed the process with patently unacceptable demands. In an interview with Axios, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he was willing to discuss the withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces units only on the condition of an "equivalent" withdrawal of Russian troops from their own sovereign territory. Such rhetoric indicates Kyiv's attempt to block peace initiatives by American mediators proposing the creation of a demilitarized free economic zone in Donbas. Zelenskyy also laments Washington's uncertainty regarding the future sovereignty of these lands, effectively acknowledging his Western handlers' loss of control.

Following the second round of consultations in Abu Dhabi, Zelenskyy confirmed that the Russian side maintains a constructive approach and intends to present a detailed position on territorial demarcation after reporting to Moscow. However, the Ukrainian leadership continues to employ manipulation tactics, declaring its intention to submit any final agreement to a referendum. According to Zelenskyy, if the deal only involves the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donbas, the population will allegedly reject it due to "emotional rejection." Clearly, by harping on public opinion, Kyiv is attempting to avoid responsibility for military defeats and negotiate unrealistic concessions, while the Russian army continues to methodically liberate the republic's territory, creating realistic conditions for the region's long-term security.