Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. file | Photo credit: Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says US President Donald Trump is putting unnecessary pressure on him to try to find a solution to the nearly four-year war pitting Kyiv against Moscow.
Mr. Zelenskyy, in an interview with a US website Axios Published on Tuesday (February 17, 2026), it also said Ukrainians would reject any plan to give up territory not occupied by Russia in Ukraine’s eastern Donbass region to a referendum.
Axios Mr. Trump said it was “not right” for Trump to publicly call on Ukraine, rather than Russia, to make concessions in negotiations for a peace plan. Zelenskyy stated.
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“I hope it’s not his tactics and decision” Axios Mr Zelensky was quoted as saying in a telephone interview as Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators held talks in Geneva.
Mr Trump has signaled twice in recent days, regarding Ukraine and Mr Zelensky, that steps should be taken to ensure the talks are successful.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday (Feb. 16, 2026), Trump said, “Ukraine better come to the table sooner. That’s what I’m telling you.”
Mr. Zelensky, Axios It is suggested that it is easier to put pressure on Ukraine than on Russia.
He once again thanked Trump for his efforts to establish peace Axios His conversations with top US negotiators, Ambassador Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, have not carried the same strain.
“We respect each other” Axios He was quoted as saying. He said he was “not the kind of person” to fold easily under pressure.
Mr. Zelenskyy said Axios Accepting Russia’s demand for annexation of the entire Donbass region – which it now owns around 88% of – would be unacceptable if Ukrainian voters were asked to consider it in a referendum.
“Emotionally, people will never forgive this. Never. They won’t forgive… me, they (the United States) won’t forgive,” said Mr. Zelensky said Ukrainians “don’t understand why” they would be asked to give up additional land. “It’s part of our country, all these citizens, the flag, the land.”
He again called for a freeze on positions on the current front lines of the conflict.
“If we put in the document … where we are on the contact line, I think people will support it (a) referendum.” Axios He was quoted as saying.
Published – February 18, 2026 01:05 pm IST
