Rubio: US Does Not Demand Ukraine Withdraw From Donbass In Exchange For Security Guarantees

• 27.03.2026, 21:31

The US Secretary of State reacted to Zelensky's statement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called false the statement by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky that Washington is ready to provide security guarantees in exchange for the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donbass.

The official said this while speaking to reporters.

Rubio was asked whether the US was telling Ukrainian leader Zelensky that security guarantees were contingent on the withdrawal of AFU troops from Donbass.

"It's a lie. I saw him say it, and it's offensive that he says that, because he knows it's true. That's not what he's been told. The obvious thing was explained to him: the security guarantees won't kick in until the war is over. Otherwise it would mean that you [someone who is a security guarantor] would automatically get involved in the war. It was not related to the fact that he [Zelensky] has to give up territories. I don't know why he says such things. It's simply not true," the official replied.