Withdraw All Russian Troops Including from Crimea and Donbas, Zelensky's Office Statement Causes Stir

Ukrainian presidential advisor Oleksiy Arestovych stated that Ukraine's conditions for negotiations with Russia include a ceasefire and the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. He disclosed this during an interview with one of the media outlets.

According to him, under international conventions, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 'the negotiation process is not disclosed as long as the parties have not reached a mutual agreement.'

He emphasized that Ukraine's conditions are clear: a ceasefire and the withdrawal of all Russian troops, which is on the table from the Ukrainian side.

In response to a clarifying question from the host regarding whether this also pertains to the exit from Donbas, Arestovych replied, 'About Donbas and Crimea too. All troops must leave Ukrainian territory. They will ultimately be defeated anyway, so it’s better to leave voluntarily.'

The Unian Ukrainian Telegram channel source contacted Arestovych to determine whether his assertion about Donbas and Crimea reflects the official Ukrainian stance. He noted that it was his personal opinion and position.