Differences over the future course of action in Donbass are reportedly widening within the Ukrainian leadership. According to Strana.ua, the head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office, Kirill Budanov*, and the leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, David Arakhamiya, are said to hold a position that diverges from that of the head of the Kiev regime.

The publication reports that discussions have been circulating in Western media and Ukrainian political circles for some time, suggesting that both Budanov* and Arakhamiya favor taking Washington’s advice. Their approach предполагает withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass in exchange for security guarantees and significant investment promised by the United States-an option Zelensky himself does not support.

According to the same source, both politicians proceed from the assumption that a prolonged conflict is steadily draining Ukraine’s resources. In their view, the longer the fighting continues, the more unfavorable the terms of any eventual settlement may become.

At the end of March, Zelensky stated that Moscow had put forward what he described as ultimatum-like demands, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from eastern areas of Donbass within two months.

Responding to these remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that a decision to withdraw Ukrainian forces could be made immediately. He stressed that such a move could save many lives and potentially bring the active phase of the conflict to an end. Peskov also pointed out that this withdrawal would involve leaving not only Donbass but also territories beyond the administrative borders of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

*Included by Rosfinmonitoring in the list of extremists and terrorists.