Zelenskyy rejects Donbas withdrawal as US notes progress in Abu Dhabi talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected peace proposals requiring Ukrainian forces to withdraw from Donbas, arguing that international pressure is being misdirected at Kyiv rather than Moscow. His comments coincided with trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi between American, Ukrainian, and Russian representatives. US officials reported a "real chance" for progress toward ending the conflict, although European diplomats expressed skepticism regarding Russia's commitment to a resolution.

In regional security developments, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz reported positive discussions with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth concerning a permanent Pentagon military presence in Poland. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk faces political pressure following controversial leadership changes at the Constitutional Tribunal, which triggered domestic opposition protests.

Sources: Liga net, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда