Russians first start talking about free economic area in Donetsk region – Zelenskyy
The Russian side first discussed the issue of creating a free economic area in Donetsk region during the trilateral Ukrainian-U.S.-Russian talks in Abu Dhabi (UAE), which were held on February 4 and 5, which it had not done before, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said following the report of the Ukrainian delegation.
"I think that's why they talked about a free economic area, which they didn't talk about before... Judging by what the team told me, they talked about this topic, how it could be. So, the Russians, in principle, are ready to discuss it. Previously, the Russians also didn't talk about a free economic area. Because they weren't ready. Now they've worked to receive information about a free economic area," Zelenskyy told reporters.
He also said that he didn't know whether such an idea of a free economic area could be implemented. "Because when we talked about a free economic area, we had different views on it. So we're talking about some kind of large area. Part of it that's now under Russian control is under Russian control. Part of the area that we're currently controlling, that is, the eastern part of Donbas, will be under our control," the president said.
"That is, even if we come to the creation of a free economic area we will need fair and reliable rules. I mean the same rules for both sides, the same proposals for both sides. We would very much like to ask for a fairer attitude. We see that the United States will be neutral. Therefore, when we talk about neutrality, we ask for the same balance for both sides. So this is our land. We do not recognize it as Russian even if it is a free economic area. Our land, if it is a free economic area, is our people, our flag, and it is our control. How to control it is up to us. We do not need to share what we will do there, if it is our control and our territory. That's all. This is fair and this is reliable," Zelenskyy added.
At the same time, he said if the Ukrainian side takes "one step back to create such an area," the Russian side should do the same. "Two steps – two steps. Three steps – three steps. Until our military tells me that we can't move anymore, because it's a security issue," the head of state said.
The president also recalled that "in general, neither Ukraine nor Russia have ever been enthusiastic about the idea of a free economic area." "Russia wants us to leave Donetsk region, and we said that the most reliable position is 'we stand where we stand.' The American side offers such a compromise option, in their opinion," Zelenskyy added.
