Ukraine signals making part of Donetsk a demilitarized 'free economic zone' as part of peace deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated Tuesday that he would be willing to pull his troops from a strip of land in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, if Russia pulled its troops from a similar-sized area and made it a demilitarized “free economic zone." 

The agreement to withdraw forces on both sides from the region, which still needs approval from Russia, would be a significant victory for President Donald Trump, whose administration drafted a 28-point plan for peace in Europe last month. This new potential agreement would be part of an updated 20-point plan.

Zelensky told reporters that he does not support the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Russian occupied territory, but said he felt there were few options to achieve peace, according to Politico.

“There are two options: either the war continues, or something will have to be decided regarding all potential economic zones," Zelensky said. “We have significantly brought most of the positions closer together. In principle, all other consensus in this agreement has been found between us and them.”

The European leader said that if Russia does agree to pull forces from Donetsk, which is part of the much larger Donbas region, which is mostly occupied by Russian troops, and then violates the peace agreement, global sanctions against the country would be restored. 

He also noted that if Russia and Ukraine's parliament officially approve the updated plan, then a full ceasefire would enter into force immediately.

The plan additionally proposes Russia formally adopt a strategy of non-aggression toward Ukraine and Europe, and accepts Ukraine's eventual accession into the European Union.

The possible deal comes after Trump administration officials met with key Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Miami over the weekend.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.