Zelenskyy: Ukraine considers US proposal for free economic zone in Donbas

Ukraine is considering a US-proposed plan to create a free economic zone in Donbas.

Source: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Bloomberg, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The proposal would establish a zone with a special legal and tax regime in areas from which military forces would be withdrawn. "The format is difficult but fair," Zelenskyy said.

The plan would require Russia to "mirror" Ukraine's steps and would also need domestic discussion.

The zone could be set up in certain parts of eastern Donbas as a compromise, with both sides required to pull back troops far enough to allow normal life to resume in the region.

An alternative would involve halting combat operations while forces remained in their positions, with unresolved issues addressed through diplomacy.

"It's about freezing the contact line, not the conflict," Zelenskyy said, adding that such an arrangement would be easier to implement and monitor with the help of Ukraine's international partners.

He also said he wants to discuss specific US commitments personally with President Donald Trump in the event of renewed Russian aggression.

"I don't want everything to end up in them merely promising to react. I really want something more concrete," Zelenskyy added.

Background:

• According to media reports, Zelensky and Trump will meet at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
• Earlier, Trump stated he is willing to commit to the United States' participation in Ukraine's future defence, but only because he is confident Russia will not attempt another invasion.

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