US pushing Ukraine to withdraw from Donbas and create ‘free economic zone’, says Zelenskyy – as it happened

Tens of thousands of residents in western North America are under evacuation orders as heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, particularly affecting Washington state and British Columbia. Authorities continue to warn that water levels are rising, and the risk of flooding remains high following several days of intense storms.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine war have intensified, with former President Donald Trump expressing impatience for a peace deal. Recent discussions between Trump’s advisers and Ukrainian officials have focused on establishing a security framework for postwar Ukraine, indicating a potential shift in negotiations.

The Trump administration is reshaping American diplomacy, particularly regarding its relationships with Europe, as discussed in a recent NPR episode featuring correspondents Greg Myre and Eleanor Beardsley. The focus is on the evolving U.S. stance towards Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia and the implications for European alliances.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States is advocating for the establishment of a 'free economic zone' in eastern Ukraine, which would serve as a buffer between conflicting armies. Zelenskyy emphasized that any territorial arrangements would require a referendum to ensure legitimacy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is engaging with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders to discuss a vision for peace amid ongoing territorial tensions with Russia. This dialogue comes as European leaders are pushing for a more assertive stance from the U.S. regarding Ukraine's situation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to a new U.S. proposal for a 'free economic zone' in the contested Donbas region, aimed at facilitating a peace deal amid ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative is part of broader discussions as Ukraine prepares to submit revised proposals to U.S. negotiators.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a ceasefire is essential before elections can be conducted in Ukraine, expressing the belief that the United States should engage with Russia regarding a potential truce during a virtual meeting with European leaders. This meeting included leaders from Germany, Britain, and France, highlighting the international dimension of the ongoing conflict.

Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister Vincent Van Peteghem stated that frozen Russian assets will eventually need to be utilized for Ukraine, emphasizing that Belgium will not make reckless compromises in any agreement regarding this matter. Analyst Peter Zalmayev criticized Belgium's stance as defeatist, suggesting it echoes Kremlin narratives about Russia's inevitable victory in the ongoing conflict.