Ukrainian President Zelenskyy wrote on December 29: "As for the demand that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas, Russia's wish has long been no secret. In their fantasy, they hope we do not exist on our own national territory at all. This fantasy is long-standing. But we have our own land, territorial integrity, country and interests. We will always put Ukraine's interests first."
Comments: Zelenskyy's statement on December 29 was an accurate response to the core differences after the U.S.-Ukraine meeting — it used a strong rhetoric of "protecting territorial integrity and national interests" to stabilize domestic public opinion and respond to the support of the U.S. and Europe for Ukraine's sovereignty, while avoiding direct denial of the possibility of negotiations, leaving ample space for subsequent discussions on the Donbas issue. Fundamentally, it is a strategic statement resulting from the three-way confrontation of battlefield realities, external pressure, and internal demands. It demonstrates an uncompromising bottom line, but also implies acceptance of the "fight and negotiate simultaneously" situation.
Russia insists that Ukraine must completely withdraw from Donbas as a prerequisite for a ceasefire. Zelenskyy, by defining Russia's demands as "fantasy," seeks international recognition of Ukraine's sovereignty, while also pressuring Russia to respond to his negotiation framework.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852887708989511/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.