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By Open Chronicle News Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. / KYIV – The White House has formally rejected media reports suggesting that the United States is conditioning security guarantees for Ukraine on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas region. The dismissal comes after claims surfaced in the Financial Times alleging that Washington was pushing for territorial concessions to advance a peace deal with Russia.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly characterized the reports as “malicious lies” aimed at destabilizing the current peace process. “This is totally false – the US’s only role in the peacemaking process is to bring both sides together to make a deal,” Kelly stated, pointing to the progress made during a historic trilateral meeting held in Abu Dhabi over the recent weekend.
⚡ The White House has denied reports that the US demanded Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donbas in exchange for security guarantees.
Reuters quotes officials calling the claim “absolutely incorrect,” saying Washington’s role is only to facilitate peace. pic.twitter.com/87WhutVxDw
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) January 27, 2026
The controversy arose following a report that suggested American security assurances would only be granted if Kyiv agreed to Russia’s demand to vacate unoccupied parts of Donbas. However, sources familiar with the U.S. position emphasized that Washington is not forcing any territorial concessions upon Ukraine. They clarified that while the guarantees depend on both parties’ willingness to reach an agreement, the specific terms of such a deal remain strictly between Russia and Ukraine.
The diplomatic tension coincides with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent announcement on January 25, stating that a comprehensive document on U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine is finalized and is ready for signing.
While the U.S. has consistently refused to deploy its own combat troops to the region, internal reports from Washington suggest that the American administration views its security commitments as significantly more robust and valuable than those currently offered by European allies.