On December 29, local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky said that matters relating to the establishment of a demilitarized zone along the dividing line between Ukraine and Russia have not yet been included in discussions on the draft cease-fire agreement. Zelensky also revealed that the main topic currently being discussed by all parties is the establishment of a “free economic zone” in the Donbas region. He added: “There are no specific details yet, but the parties have begun discussions on this issue.” Russian presidential press secretary Peskov said on the same day that the Russian side is temporarily unable to evaluate the US-Ukraine presidential meeting, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not directly hold telephone talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Peskov said that Russia demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from the administrative border of Donbas as a precondition for a cease-fire.

On December 29, local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky said that matters relating to the establishment of a demilitarized zone along the dividing line between Ukraine and Russia have not yet been included in discussions on the draft cease-fire agreement. Zelensky also revealed that the main topic currently being discussed by all parties is the establishment of a “free economic zone” in the Donbas region. He added: “There are no specific details yet, but the parties have begun discussions on this issue.” Russian presidential press secretary Peskov said on the same day that the Russian side is temporarily unable to evaluate the US-Ukraine presidential meeting, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not directly hold telephone talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Peskov said that Russia demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from the administrative border of Donbas as a precondition for a cease-fire.