Donbass is not a subject of bargaining: Kyiv affirms its position after negotiations in the UAE

The President of Ukraine stated that the issue of transferring Donbas to Russia is not being considered in any format. Following contacts in Abu Dhabi, he emphasized that different security mechanisms are needed, not territorial concessions.

The statement came amid discussions on possible international configurations of guarantees and parallel consultations with partners. Kyiv made it clear that any decisions made without Ukraine’s participation will not be considered legitimate.

What exactly Volodymyr Zelensky said about Donbas

According to the head of state, Russian demands to recognize the region as “Russian” do not create a new reality even if some external players were ready to support such a formula.

The Ukrainian position, as he formulated it, remains the same: “we stand where we stand.” This approach is called the most reliable model for a ceasefire at the current stage in Kyiv.

The President specifically reminded that the idea of a free economic zone has historically not generated enthusiasm from either side. Moscow seeks the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces, while Kyiv insists on maintaining control.

The fate of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains a separate knot

Discussions around the largest nuclear facility in Europe continue without a convergence of positions. Participants acknowledge the interconnectedness of topics: the safety of the plant, restoration of hydraulic structures, water balance, and the region’s ecology.

There are no quick solutions.

The negotiations involve the need for a comprehensive package rather than targeted agreements that could create new risks.

What documents are being discussed between Kyiv, the USA, and Europe

The President reported the existence of a set of bilateral materials between Ukraine and the United States, as well as the development of a multilateral structure.

This concerns security guarantees and the so-called prosperity package. It may preliminarily be formalized as a trilateral document involving Europe, the USA, and Ukraine, with signatures from all parties.

At the same time, Kyiv allows that Washington and Moscow may have their own lines of communication. However, the Ukrainian position is fixed: agreements about the country without its participation will not be supported.

It is within this logic that the diplomatic machine is currently operating, as repeatedly emphasized by sources familiar with the course of consultations in conversations with the editorial team of NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency.

Is a free economic zone possible

When asked directly about the prospects of such a model, the president responded cautiously.

If hypothetically there is ever talk of a special regime, it will not change the basic principle: the territory remains Ukrainian, with the Ukrainian flag, population, and administration. The methods of control are determined by Kyiv.

In fact, this response closed the discussion on any forms of recognition of the loss of sovereignty.

Why this statement is important now

The contours of future security guarantees are still being formed. Simultaneously, the number of interpretations, leaks, and versions of possible compromises is growing.

Against this backdrop, the public fixation of the position reduces the space for speculation.

Ukraine is showing partners the boundaries of what is acceptable. And at the same time, signaling to Moscow: the diplomatic process does not mean readiness for territorial concessions.

Further development will depend on whether it is possible to agree on a security architecture that satisfies key players and does not require a revision of sovereignty principles.

There is no answer to this question yet.