Zelensky Says US Security Guarantees Conditional on Ukraine Handing Over Donbass

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with Reuters on March 25 that the United States has made security guarantees for ending the war conditional on Ukraine's complete handover of the Donbass region to Russia.

Zelensky warned that withdrawing from defensive lines in Donbass would endanger the security of Ukraine and Europe by placing the region's strong defensive positions in Russian hands.

He stressed that international security guarantees are essential to prevent Russia from restarting hostilities.

Zelensky highlighted two key unanswered questions about the guarantees: who will fund the purchase of Ukraine's weapons and how allies will react to potential Russian aggressions.

He expressed appreciation for the continuous delivery of Patriot missile defense systems by the United States, noting that Ukraine's production of long-range missiles and drones allows for an effective response to Russian air attacks.

Zelensky said only a trilateral summit with him, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could resolve issues related to territory and security guarantees and pave the way for peace.