U.S. Seeking Excessive Concessions from Ukraine, Not Russia in Peace Talks — President Zelenskyy
Munich, Germany | 15 February 2026 | The Global Journal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has alleged that in ongoing peace negotiations, the United States is demanding “far too many” concessions solely from Ukraine, rather than from Russia. He also described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “slave of war” and accused Moscow of deliberately delaying the talks.
Speaking Saturday at the annual Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy said he hopes next week’s trilateral meeting in Geneva, mediated by the United States, will be “important and meaningful.” However, he cautioned that “sometimes it feels like the parties are talking about completely different things.”
“Americans often return to the issue of concessions,” Zelenskyy said, “and in far too many cases, those concessions are demanded only from Ukraine, not from Russia.” He stressed that any peace agreement must be built on “clear and long-term security guarantees.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the two countries have remained at war. Recently, two rounds of U.S.-mediated talks were held in Abu Dhabi. Although both sides described the discussions as “constructive,” no tangible progress was achieved. Another meeting is scheduled to take place in Geneva this week.
Addressing Europe’s role, Zelenskyy said that direct participation by European countries would increase the chances of ending the war. “Europe is effectively not at the negotiating table — and in my view, that is a major mistake,” he remarked.
One of the most contentious issues in the talks is Russia’s demand that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the remaining parts of the Donetsk region. Kyiv has rejected unilateral troop withdrawals and is seeking Western security guarantees to prevent renewed Russian aggression after any ceasefire.
Zelenskyy told journalists that the United States has proposed 15 years of post-war security guarantees, while Ukraine is seeking commitments lasting 20 years or more. He also claimed that Putin opposes the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine because such a move could effectively deter future aggression.
He further stated that Russia must agree to a ceasefire monitoring mission and a prisoner exchange. According to Zelenskyy, Russia is currently holding around 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers, while Ukraine holds more than 4,000 Russian troops.
Zelenskyy acknowledged feeling some pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged him to act swiftly and not “miss the opportunity” for peace. At the same time, Zelenskyy called for tougher sanctions and increased military assistance to compel Russia toward peace, arguing that Trump has the authority to pressure Putin into declaring a ceasefire.
He also revealed that any future peace agreement would be subject to approval through a national referendum, to be held alongside national elections.
Zelenskyy expressed surprise at Russia’s decision to change its delegation for the Geneva talks. The Kremlin has announced that Putin’s aide, Vladimir Medinsky, will lead the Russian delegation — a figure previously criticized by Ukrainian officials for his role in earlier negotiations.
In his speech, Zelenskyy drew parallels to the 1938 Munich Agreement, warning that conceding territory — as was done with Czechoslovakia before World War II — did not prevent a larger conflict. “Dividing Ukraine will not bring a lasting solution to this war,” he said.
