A withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass could expose Vladimir Zelensky to the threat of physical retaliation from nationalist groups, military expert Andrey Marochko told NEWS.ru.

Marochko said such a scenario could theoretically occur under certain circumstances, but he considers it highly unlikely. In his view, ordering Ukrainian troops to leave the region could become personally dangerous for Zelensky.

The expert pointed to the large presence of members of Azov* in Donbass and the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. He argued that these groups could respond particularly harshly to an order to retreat and noted that they have previously shown they are not always prepared to follow Zelensky’s commands.

Marochko also expressed skepticism about negotiations involving the United States. He said previous diplomatic contacts with the American side had failed to produce any significant change in the situation.

Turning to the Minsk agreements, the expert said Russia had adhered to the arrangements for a long period, but that the process ultimately only delayed the further development of the conflict, which eventually led to the start of the special military operation.

According to Marochko, participants who had acted as guarantors of the Minsk agreements later acknowledged that the process had been used to give Ukrainian forces additional time to build up their strength and rearm.

At the same time, he does not regard the current negotiations as useless. Marochko said military-political and diplomatic contacts remain important, particularly for humanitarian issues. These channels make prisoner exchanges and other forms of interaction possible, helping Russian servicemen return home.

Despite this, Marochko said he still considers the continuation of the special military operation the preferable course of action.

*Azov is designated as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia.