Zelenskyy: we will not recognize Donbas as Russian, neither de jure nor de facto

08:55, 16.12.2025 1 min read

Ukraine does not plan to give up control over Donbas, and any conflict resolution formats may include economic zones, but do not provide for the recognition of Donbas as Russian.

According to him, American partners propose to create a free economic zone in the occupied territories, but this does not mean transferring them under Russian control. "I will emphasize once again - a free economic zone does not mean that it is under the leadership of the Russian Federation. These are important features of any Donbas format for me," the president emphasized.

At the same time, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine does not recognize Donbas as Russian either de jure or de facto: "Neither de jure nor de facto will we recognize Donbas as Russian, the part that is temporarily occupied. But, nevertheless, we will discuss the issue of territory. You know that it is one of the key ones, we do not yet have a consensus on this issue."