Ukraine invasion: Zelenskyy signals openness to compromise on Donbass

Synopsis

President Vladimir Zelensky says he is open to negotiating a potential neutral status for Ukraine during an interview with independent Russian news organizations banned from publication in Russia. Zelensky indicates that his team is studying Moscow's demand for Ukrainian neutrality, which would need to be decided by a referendum. As the conflict continues, the Ukrainian intelligence service warns that Russia aims to split the country in two. Despite the devastation, including the destruction of much of Kharkiv, which is just 50 kilometers from the Russian border, Zelensky remains hopeful, stating that victory is possible with sufficient support from Western allies. In Mariupol, the situation worsens, with food and water shortages forcing locals to bury their dead in makeshift graves. Ukrainian authorities announce a humanitarian corridor agreement with Russia, allowing residents to seek safety amid the ongoing crisis.