“An important element of ending the war”: Zelenskyi explained why we need a free economic zone in Donbas

Introducing a free economic zone in Donbas will help attract investment to the region and end the war.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi emphasized it in an interview with "Autumn 2020: Victories and Challenges" for four Ukrainian TV channels.

"I feel that big money will come there doing everything to make Donbas grow. And it'll have a great impact on people living in the temporarily occupied territories. They'll see that living in free Ukraine is better," the head of the state noted.

The President noted that important infrastructure projects are being implemented in Donbas today.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the main issue that worries potential investors are concerns about the security situation in Donbas.

"The cease-fire works. Already a large area is safe," he said.

The head of state noted that creating a free economic zone in Donbas was discussed with investors during a business forum in Mariupol last year. According to him, business needs to give a signal, investments in Ukraine, in particular in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, are safe.

The President stressed that the possibility of introducing a free economic zone does not apply to the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas.

"It is impossible to introduce a free economic zone in the occupied territory now. Nobody will do it. It will happen when de-occupation takes place, and we will control the border. It will be completely our territory when all troops will be withdrawn from there," Volodymyr Zelenskyi said.

He also added that many regions of Ukraine, also needing investment, are peaceful and safe. He seeks to show it when inviting foreign leaders to visit different regions of our country with him.

"I want to show them how different Ukraine is. In Odesa, Vinnytsia, Western Ukraine, and especially in Donbas. I really need them to see that there is a large safe area," said the President.