Kremlin: Donbas Withdrawal Pivotal for Ukraine Peace Deal
Moscow, Russia – The Kremlin has unequivocally declared that the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region is a fundamental condition for any peace agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, made the statement on Friday, outlining Russia’s firm stance on the path to de-escalation.
Donbas Withdrawal: A Core Demand
Addressing reporters, Peskov asserted that Kyiv’s complete withdrawal from the Donbas region is a “key condition” for achieving a lasting peace. He emphasized the severe damage sustained by the area during military operations, linking the urgent need for reconstruction efforts directly to the establishment of a new political framework.
Intense Diplomatic Engagements Underway
The Kremlin spokesperson also offered insights into the current state of diplomatic efforts, describing discussions between representatives from the United States and Russian officials as “highly intensive and complex.” Peskov reiterated the critical importance of bringing the conflict in Ukraine to an end, highlighting a shared, albeit challenging, objective in these high-level talks.
Frozen Assets and Reconstruction Potential
In a related context, Peskov referenced approximately $5 billion in Russian assets that were frozen by the former U.S. administration. He suggested that these funds could potentially be utilized for the vital reconstruction of war-affected areas, including the Donbas region, once a comprehensive peace settlement is achieved. This introduces an economic dimension to future negotiations.
The Kremlin’s latest pronouncement clearly articulates its central demand for peace, framing the future of the Donbas region as an integral and indispensable element of any comprehensive resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
