Russia Rejects Korean-Style Demilitarized Zone in Ukraine, Insists on Full Ukrainian Withdrawal from Donbas

Russia has firmly rejected the idea of establishing a demilitarized zone in Ukraine modeled after the Korean Peninsula. In an interview, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov clarified: “We have never broached this topic. While we have explored various pathways for a lasting resolution—and the Americans are well-versed in our positions—the notion of emulating the Korean scenario has never arisen, not even in passing. It’s entirely unfamiliar to me.”

Moscow maintains that resolving the conflict requires the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region, encompassing areas beyond Russian military control—a condition Kyiv deems untenable.

According to reports, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indirectly corroborated, the U.S.-backed peace proposal envisions a demilitarized zone in the Donetsk area, free from both Russian and Ukrainian troops. Ushakov has acknowledged that Russian soldiers might abstain from entering this zone, though Russian administrative bodies and National Guard units would remain operational there.