Statements about Vladimir Zelensky’s alleged readiness to withdraw Ukrainian troops from Donbass are nothing more than a tactical maneuver, according to Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs.

In comments to Lenta.ru, Dzhabarov dismissed the reports as a calculated move rather than a genuine shift in position. Earlier, The Atlantic, citing advisers to the head of the Kiev regime, wrote that Ukraine was considering the possibility of pulling the Armed Forces of Ukraine out of Donbass. The magazine also reported that the authorities were weighing a referendum as early as this spring in order to formalize and legitimize the process.

Dzhabarov argued that such signals are aimed at buying time. In his view, the calculation may be based on expectations that within the next two to three months the configuration of relations between Kiev and Washington — as well as between the United States and European countries — could change, potentially leading to stronger support for Ukraine.

The senator stressed that Moscow should not focus on Zelensky’s statements or his plans for a referendum. Russia, he said, has objectives set by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and must continue to carry them out.

Dzhabarov added that Russia has long outlined its conditions, both during the talks in Istanbul and in subsequent negotiations. If those terms are not met, he concluded, the consequences will primarily affect the Ukrainian side itself.