Ukraine is studying an initiative proposed by the United States, which envisages the creation of a special economic zone between Ukrainian and Russian troops in the event of a ceasefire. This concerns certain territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. This was stated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in a comment to Bloomberg.
The head of state emphasized that the proposed format has nothing to do with a full-fledged free trade zone agreement. According to him, if the idea is implemented, a special economic zone could operate in the territories that will be liberated after the withdrawal of troops, with the introduction of a separate legal and tax regime.
“The format is complex, but fair,” Zelensky noted.
Zelensky explained that the concept is based on mirror steps by Russia and requires detailed discussion within the country. One possible scenario involves the creation of such a zone in part of Donbas as a compromise, provided that forces are mutually withdrawn to a safe distance, which would allow for the gradual restoration of normal life for the civilian population.
At the same time, the president outlined another option – the cessation of active hostilities without the withdrawal of troops with the subsequent settlement of disputed issues through diplomatic means. At the same time, he emphasized that Russia’s current behavior demonstrates its unwillingness to take real diplomatic steps.
Zelensky also emphasized that Kyiv’s position remains principled and unchanged: Ukraine will never recognize the temporarily occupied territories as part of Russia, even if the full restoration of sovereignty over them will take time. Earlier, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga announced Ukraine’s readiness to send a delegation to the United States to participate in the next stage of negotiations.
