Ukraine has declared that withdrawing its troops from Donbas is unacceptable, while the negotiation process with the United States and Russia remains without a confirmed venue. Against this backdrop, NATO is distancing itself from the operation against Iran but expressing support for Washington’s actions. U.S. senators are offering differing assessments of how escalation in the Middle East could affect support for Kyiv.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine Will Not Withdraw Troops from Donbas or Abandon 200,000 Citizens
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with Corriere della Sera stated that Ukrainian troops will not leave Donbas or withdraw from territories where approximately 200,000 Ukrainians live. He said Ukraine has security guarantees from the United States, but the American side links their signing to reaching an agreement with the Russians.
“Is this progress? Yes. Is it enough? No,” Zelenskyy said, commenting on the state of agreements with partners. According to him, negotiations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia have reached a deadlock due to disagreements over territorial control and the provisions of a 20-point peace plan.
The president noted that the Americans had proposed freezing the front line through diplomatic means, as well as creating demilitarized and free economic zones. “I chose the diplomatic path; I accepted the U.S. proposal to freeze the front line,” he said, adding that the Russians insist on the full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas.
Zelenskyy emphasized: “But I want to state clearly: I will never abandon [Donbas – ed.] and the 200,000 Ukrainians who live there. Why should I do that? Because Putin imposes it as a condition for peace? And will he immediately put forward new demands? No, I will not tolerate that.”
He also said that Ukraine is developing its own defense capabilities, particularly drone production, and noted that Russian army losses reach up to 35,000 per month.
NATO Will Not Join U.S. and Israeli Operation Against Iran – Rutte
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance will not take part in the U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran. In an interview with The BBC he emphasized: “No, this is clearly a campaign led by the Americans and the Israelis.”
Thus, NATO has officially distanced itself from direct participation in hostilities, underscoring that the initiative belongs to individual states. At the same time, Rutte noted that allies and partners in the region are suffering “indiscriminate attacks” by Iran.
The Secretary General added that Europe “fully supports” U.S. actions in Iran and considers Tehran a threat to the region and to European security. According to him, Iran poses a danger to Israel and neighboring states, as well as to broader international stability. Rutte stressed that following recent events, Europe will intensify its actions, though he did not specify in what form such support might be expressed.
Zelenskyy Allows for Peace Talks to Be Moved to Europe or Turkey
Zelensky statedthat the planned round of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia has not yet been canceled, though the venue may change. He noted that the parties had previously agreed to meet in Abu Dhabi, but due to new circumstances, the meeting could take place in another country.
“Perhaps it will not be in Abu Dhabi but moved to another country, another city. They [the delegations – ed.] had meetings in Switzerland; it could be Europe,” the president said.
He added that the meeting may take place on March 5 or 6, as previously planned. Zelenskyy also stressed that he favors holding negotiations in Europe, since the war is taking place on this continent. Among possible locations, he mentioned Geneva, Austria, the Vatican, or Turkey.
“If Russia wants a neutral place, Geneva would be suitable,” he said. The president also expressed hope for the continuation of prisoner exchanges between the sides.
Kremlin Says There Is No Clarity on New Talks
Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, also statedthat there is currently no certainty regarding the date and venue of the next trilateral talks between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine. According to him, “there is no clarity regarding the timing and place” at this point. He added that a meeting in Abu Dhabi appears unlikely given current circumstances, hinting at the situation in the Middle East. Peskov promised that any new agreements would be announced additionally.
Earlier, the Ukrainian side had declared its readiness to continue negotiations and the possibility of changing the meeting’s location. The Kremlin, however, is refraining from concrete decisions on organizing a new round. Russian representatives emphasize that the final parameters of the meeting have not yet been agreed upon. Thus, the question of the time and place of the negotiations remains open.
U.S. Senators Differ on Impact of War with Iran on Support for Ukraine
Two U.S. senators — Democrat Richard Blumenthal and Republican John Kennedy — expressed differing views on the consequences of the U.S. military operation against Iran for Ukraine.
Blumenthal statedthat the war could reduce the resources available to Kyiv, as some weapons, including air defense systems, would be directed to Israel. “Air defense systems and other weapons will be less available for Ukraine because they will be sent to Israel, our ally,” he said. According to him, this conflict is “a big gift to Putin,” as it diverts U.S. resources and attention.
Meanwhile, Senator John Kennedy expressed a different view, suggesting that strikes on Iran could influence Moscow’s position. He said he hopes for a change in Putin’s approach to negotiations following events in the Middle East. Kennedy believes that developments may have consequences for the course of the war against Ukraine. Both senators gave their comments in interviews with Ukrainian journalists.
Photo: brookings.edu
Author: Danylo Pievchev