Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbas cannot be considered a compromise. According to him, it would open the way for further Russian advances and put major cities at risk.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Rai Radio 1 that the idea of withdrawing from Donbas poses serious risks to the country’s security.
According to the president, a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces would allow Russia to advance further without losses and carry out large-scale maneuvers. In particular, it could threaten Kharkiv and Dnipro, which are important economic centers.
Zelenskyy also noted that building new fortifications would take time, while defenses in open fields cannot match the strength of those in urban areas.
He also stressed the moral aspect, saying that a withdrawal from Donbas could undermine the morale of the army and lead to divisions within society.
In addition, he said that about 200,000 people currently live in the parts of Donbas controlled by Ukraine, and their safety would also be at risk.