Demilitarized zone in Donbas? Podolyak labels talks “theoretical” and outlines the terms
While all potential options are being discussed in negotiations, Podolyak stresses that any final decision on halting hostilities or establishing a demilitarized zone will be made by the president.
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Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine / © Getty Images
Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, reacted to a Le Monde article claiming that Ukraine might agree to a demilitarized zone in Donbas, describing the discussion as “purely theoretical.”
Podolyak spoke to the Kyiv Post regarding this.
According to him, a format involving a buffer zone with active monitoring is being discussed solely in the framework of potential future security guarantees.
“The discussions are entirely theoretical at this stage. Obviously, all possible options are on the table in the negotiations, including a potential ceasefire along the front line. Equally clear is that this format could theoretically allow for a so-called buffer (demilitarized) zone, which would need active monitoring. Still, all of this is being considered solely in the context of security guarantees,” Podolyak explained.
He stressed that any final decision will unquestionably come from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.