Zelenskyy says US ‘too often’ pushes Ukraine, not Russia, for concessions
Al Jazeera
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism about upcoming US-brokered peace talks with Russia but criticized what he sees as an imbalance in concessions, calling for "clear security guarantees" to ensure Ukraine's safety. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv is frequently asked to make compromises without reciprocal actions from Moscow. He urged European countries to play a larger role in negotiations, accusing Russia of stalling by excluding them, and stressed the need for a robust security framework to prevent future conflicts.
Zelenskyy highlighted the challenges in ongoing discussions, noting that both sides often appear to be talking past each other. Key sticking points include Russia's demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from Donetsk and Kyiv's insistence on Western security assurances. Zelenskyy revealed that the US had proposed a 15-year security guarantee, but Ukraine is seeking a longer-term agreement of 20 years or more. He also called for an international ceasefire monitoring mission and prisoner exchanges, estimating thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are being held by Russia.
The Ukrainian leader acknowledged pressure from US President Donald Trump to achieve progress, expressing hope that Trump could leverage his influence to push Putin toward a ceasefire. Zelenskyy criticized Russia's decision to change its delegation for the Geneva talks, led by Vladimir Medinsky, whom he accused of avoiding constructive negotiations in previous discussions. This move, Zelenskyy suggested, may indicate an effort to delay agreement.
Zelenskyy also denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "slave to war," and reiterated Ukraine's demand for clear security guarantees to end the conflict. He emphasized that any peace deal must be validated through elections and referendums in Ukraine, underscoring his government's determination to ensure accountability and justice.
This matters because it highlights the fragile state of peace negotiations and the deep mistrust between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy's remarks underscore the complexity of achieving a lasting resolution, particularly given Russia's refusal to reciprocate concessions and its apparent strategy to prolong the conflict. The stakes are high: without meaningful progress, the war in Ukraine could drag on indefinitely, with severe consequences for global stability and security.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/15/2026