Zelenskyy refuses U.S. conditions — Ukrainian troops withdraw from Donbas in exchange for U.S. security guarantees
Speaking to France's Le Monde, Zelenskyy stated, "Our defensive fortifications in Donbas are part of Ukraine’s security assurance."
We should not trade these security assurances… for other forms of security guarantees."
He further emphasized that the U.S. needs Ukraine’s help to protect its military bases in the Middle East from Iranian attacks: "The United States has sought our assistance regarding its military bases within Middle Eastern countries. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait have also reached out to us. We have already begun cooperation with some parties; our expert teams have arrived on-site to assess the situation and share valuable experience. Currently, we are discussing providing them with certain equipment that Ukraine currently possesses."
Previously, Trump had bluntly said:
"What we need least is Zelenskyy’s help."
Zelenskyy’s insistence that Ukraine’s military presence cannot be negotiated effectively shuts the door on a swift ceasefire. At the same time, he aims to tie Ukraine into the Middle East geopolitical game in exchange for Western support. By proactively offering to help the U.S. and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations defend against Iran, his underlying goal is to leverage Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and battlefield experience to secure greater aid, thus preventing being abandoned by the U.S. as American attention shifts toward Middle East issues.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860777584667724/
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