Zelensky responds to Rubio's accusation of lying
The Kyiv Independent • • nation
Key Points:
- President Zelensky clarified that, according to his understanding, U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine are tied to Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas, which he equates with the end of the war under current peace talks.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Zelensky's earlier statement a "lie," emphasizing that security guarantees would only come after the war ends to avoid U.S. direct involvement in the conflict.
- Zelensky stressed that while the U.S. will provide guarantees only after the ceasefire and troop withdrawal, Kyiv wishes to sign the security agreement before the war ends, though enforcement would be conditional.
- The president denied any U.S. pressure on Ukraine to withdraw from its territory and reiterated Kyiv's priority to continue dialogue toward a negotiated peace.
- Peace talks remain stalled, with Russia demanding Ukraine's withdrawal from parts of Donbas and Kyiv insisting on a ceasefire along current front-line positions; meanwhile, U.S. attention has shifted toward the war in Iran.
