Ukraine’s patience with US peace push wears thin as Russia skirts pressure
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
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Ukraine's patience with the US-led peace initiative appears to be wearing thin as ongoing negotiations fail to produce satisfactory results, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a recent address, he criticized the one-sided pressure being exerted by the US, emphasizing that any territorial concessions demanded by Russia would face strong opposition from Ukrainians. Specifically, ceding control of the remaining unoccupied portion of Donetsk region is seen as unacceptable, both emotionally and politically. Zelenskyy has instead proposed freezing the current frontline as a basis for future negotiations, a stance that aligns with public sentiment, as 54% of Ukrainians surveyed reject transferring any part of Donetsk to Russian control.
The frustration stems from what Zelenskyy perceives as unfair US pressure on Ukraine while Russia continues to demand territorial concessions. This sentiment was echoed by US senators visiting Odesa, who called for increased pressure on Russia during peace talks in Geneva. However, these efforts have been met with resistance from Russia, which escalated its military campaign with a barrage of 396 drones and 29 missiles targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure on the same day as the talks. This attack underscored Russia's determination to maintain control over territory it has captured since 2014, despite limited progress in Luhansk and challenges in advancing further in Donetsk.
The situation highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine seeking international
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026