Kremlin Rejects U.S.-Backed Proposal for Donbas Free Economic Zone, Citing Russian Sovereignty
The Kremlin has dismissed a U.S.-backed proposal to establish a free economic zone in Ukraine's Donbas region as part of a potential peace deal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on August 25 that Russia considers the Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as its own territory and has incorporated this claim into its constitution. Peskov emphasized that it is 'unlikely that any third party could administer Russia's regions.' This rejection comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that a peace plan, drafted by Ukraine, the U.S., and European partners, included Washington's proposal for a buffer zone and a free economic zone in Donbas, to be administered by a third party. Ukraine continues to advocate for a ceasefire along the current front lines, while Moscow insists that any resolution must involve Ukraine ceding the four regions Russia claims as its own. 
