"We're not idiots. We know what that means." Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, directly rejected American proposals that condition security guarantees for Ukraine on withdrawal from Donbas. Not diplomatically, not hinting - directly.

Multiple Western media outlets reported that Washington is tying security guarantees to the end of the war - and the war ends when Ukraine withdraws from eastern territory. Zelensky confirmed: that's exactly what they told him.

He also criticized Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff - people close to Trump - for believing Russia is winning the war. "That's the wrong assessment," Zelensky said, adding that he nevertheless maintains constructive dialogue with Washington.

He offered a concrete proposal: Ukraine will stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure if Russia stops bombing Ukrainian facilities. Plus - Russia must pay for war damages, voluntarily or through economic mechanisms.

Is Washington listening? Or just waiting for Kyiv to tire enough to accept? In the Balkans, we know what it looks like when great powers offer you a "solution" that means giving up what's yours. The question is how long Zelensky can keep saying "no" before the pressure becomes unbearable.