Speaking to reporters at the Bucha summit on 31/3, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Russia announced it would control the entire Donbass region within two months. He added that Kyiv therefore has that timeframe to withdraw from the area, and "the war would then end."

"If Ukraine does not leave within two months, Russia will occupy Donbass and then make other demands," Zelensky said, reportedly referring to conditions Moscow put forth during peace talks.

President Zelensky speaking in Bucha on 31/3. Photo: AFP

The Ukraine President believes Russia cannot control Donbass within two months militarily and is therefore seeking to exert pressure at the negotiating table.

He stated he felt "surprised" that some people believe the conflict, or the "hot phase" of the war, would end if Ukraine withdraws its troops from Donbass.

President Zelensky announced he would attend the next round of negotiations between the United States and Ukraine on 1/4. The online event will also include Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

According to Zelensky, negotiations with the United States will focus on the possibility of organizing a trilateral meeting with Russia. He will also present Kyiv's proposal for a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure during the dialogue.

Russia has not yet commented on President Zelensky's statement.

The Donbass region, comprising the two provinces of Donetsk and Lugansk, is a major sticking point in US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This effort has largely stalled as the United States shifts its attention to the conflict with Iran.

Location of Lugansk and Donetsk provinces. Graphic: Telegraph

Ukraine currently controls about one-fourth of Donetsk province, including a strategically important fortress belt in its western part, as well as several positions in Lugansk, according to Ukraine media.

Russia has repeatedly demanded Ukraine withdraw its troops from the entire Donbass region, considering this a key condition at the negotiating table. Kyiv rejects the possibility of ceding territories it still controls in Donbass and proposes a ceasefire along the current front line.

President Zelensky stated last week that the United States wants Ukraine to withdraw its troops from areas it still holds in Donbass in exchange for security guarantees from Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later rejected Zelensky's statement.

Pham Giang (According to Interfax Ukraine, UP, Kyiv Independent)