Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov has considered it possible that a “demilitarized zone” may be created in Donbas, where there would be neither Russian nor Ukrainian troops, but the National Guard of Russia and the police would be present. Ushakov stated this in an interview with a Kommersant newspaper correspondent. The latter had asked the Russian president’s aide to comment on reports in Western media that the Ukrainian authorities “have made concessions on the territorial issue and are ready to withdraw their troops from Donbas if Russian troops do not enter those territories,” and that they “agree or even want these territories to be controlled by international peacekeeping forces.”

“It is quite possible that there will be no troops there—neither Russian nor Ukrainian. Yes, but the National Guard of Russia, our police, and everything necessary to maintain order and rules and to organize life will be there,” Ushakov said.

He emphasized that Russia considers Donbas to be its territory, which “will be under the control of our administrations.”

“If not through negotiations, then this territory will come under the full control of the Russian Federation—by [Russian] military personnel. Everything else will depend on that. In other words, a ceasefire can occur only after the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops,” the Russian presidential aide added.

The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the part of Donbas under their control was one of the key points of the peace plan prepared by US President Donald Trump’s administration. But Ukraine did not agree to it.

And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had stated Thursday that a compromise is being discussed according to which Ukrainian troops would withdraw from part of Donbas while Russian troops would remain there. Also, Zelenskyy emphasized that there are many unresolved issues, including regarding overseeing in this zone.