Kyiv is considering a potentially significant shift in strategy, weighing a full withdrawal from the Donbas region, according to reports from Ukrainian presidential advisors. This development comes as discussions continue regarding potential peace negotiations and the conditions necessary for future elections within the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday, February 17, 2026, that another round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled for Wednesday in Turkey. The announcement, reported by CNN Prima NEWS, follows previous rounds of negotiations in Istanbul that yielded limited progress, primarily focused on prisoner exchanges.
Zelenskyy stated that the upcoming talks will address the return of Ukrainian prisoners and the repatriation of Ukrainian children who have been taken to Russia. He also emphasized the need for a meeting between the two countries’ leaders, believing that only direct engagement at the highest level can effectively lead to a lasting peace agreement, as Aktuality reported.
The potential withdrawal from Donbas represents a considerable strategic consideration for Ukraine. This move is being discussed alongside the possibility of holding a referendum on the status of the region, a move that could be seen as a high-stakes gamble, according to HNonline.
Zelenskyy also indicated that Ukraine requires security guarantees and a ceasefire to proceed with holding elections, as reported by Pravda.
The ongoing conflict has prompted international efforts to mediate a resolution. A trilateral meeting involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States was held in Geneva, according to SME.sk. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the continued need for diplomatic solutions.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly believes he can replicate the outcome of the 1938 Munich Agreement, according to Zelenskyy, as reported by SME.sk. This statement suggests a concern that some international actors may seek to appease Russia at the expense of Ukrainian sovereignty.
