Zelensky says Ukraine will not withdraw from Donbas, calling Russia’s terms “an ultimatum,” and urges Japan to open the “corridor for dialogue” on air defense.
by Julia Struck | Feb. 20, 2026
(Photo by Zelenskiy / Official)
President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out any withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the eastern Donbas region as part of a potential peace agreement with Russia, insisting Kyiv will not abandon what he described as its “real defending line.”
In an interview with Kyodo News in Kyiv, Zelensky rejected Moscow’s demand that Ukrainian forces pull back from the region, where some of the heaviest fighting of the full-scale war has taken place.
“We can’t withdraw from our territory. It’s our real defending line,” he said, as negotiations with Russia continue.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is prepared for genuine compromises to achieve peace – but not at the expense of its independence or sovereignty.
“We are ready to talk about compromises with the United States. But not to receive ultimatums from the Russians again and again. They are the aggressor. Everyone has recognized this. This has not changed,” he said.
Zelensky added that many countries that have acted or sought to act as mediators since the beginning of the war – particularly in the Middle East and Asia.
“That is why our compromise is that we are talking about compromises with the aggressor. ‘We stand where we stand’ is a big compromise,” he said.
“They have seized almost 20% of our territory. And we are ready to talk about peace now on the basis of the principle of ‘We stand where we stand.’ This is a big compromise,” Zelensky added.
He revealed that Russia presents its own position as a compromise by claiming it will refrain from occupying additional regions.
“But this is terrorism. Even these words themselves are terrorism. ‘I am ready not to kill you – give us everything.’ What does this mean? This is not a compromise. This is an ultimatum.”
“That is why I said: ‘We are ready for compromises that respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, our army, our people and our children. But we are not ready for ultimatums,” Zelensky told Kyodo News.
Russia has sought full control of the Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and has repeatedly conditioned talks on Ukrainian troop withdrawals. Kyiv has maintained that it will not cede territory under pressure.
Zelensky also warned of the broader security implications of Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea. He said Pyongyang has gained valuable battlefield experience from its involvement in the war, calling the development “extremely dangerous.”
He revealed that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed in Russia.
“They are learning to counter missiles and different types of drones, including fiber-optic drones – from [first-person view] FPV to long-range drones. They are training now in Russia because we are responding to Russian attacks. So, they have this opportunity,” Zelensky said.
He added that, at a minimum, North Korean troops could “bring this knowledge home.”
North Korean forces have engaged in combat with Ukrainian troops during Kyiv’s cross-border incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukrainian units temporarily seized parts of the area.
Turning to defense cooperation, Zelensky emphasized that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense remains a top priority as Russia continues missile and drone attacks. Air defense systems are “not for offensive” purposes, he said, but essential to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
In that context, he expressed hope for closer defense cooperation with Japan and an early meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
“We want to open a new page in defense cooperation between our countries – I think it could become historic,” Zelensky said.
Noting that air defense is “crucial” for Ukraine, Zelensky added it would be “very helpful” if Takaichi decides to open a “corridor for the dialogue” on the issue.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation with countries licensed to produce air defense systems, calling Japan “one of these countries.”
As a close US ally, Japan manufactures Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors under US license. Tokyo completed shipments of the interceptors to the United States in November, marking its first export of lethal weapons under rules eased in 2023 to help Washington replenish its stockpiles as it supports Ukraine.
Zelensky also stressed that Kyiv is ready to share its technologies – for example, naval drones for coastal defense – noting that despite lacking its own fleet, Ukraine has managed to destroy a significant part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet using naval drones.
“There are other things that can be useful for Japan: cybersecurity, interceptor drones, energy and critical infrastructure management in times of crisis, broader experience of modern warfare, etc.,” Zelensky said.
“We can share what we have learned in this war,” he added.
Zelensky said he would be very pleased to welcome Takaichi to Ukraine but is ready to meet her “in any format,” at any venue, including on the sidelines of major meetings or summits.
“But I think it would be more useful to meet directly and focus on our bilateral relations. And I am also ready to come to Japan. I have already had such an opportunity and I am very proud to have visited your country,” the president added.
While Japan has supplied Ukraine with non-lethal equipment such as bulletproof vests and Self-Defense Forces trucks, it has not provided weapons with lethal capabilities.
According to Kyodo News, the Japanese government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are currently considering further easing restrictions on defense equipment transfers amid a tense regional security environment – a move that could potentially allow arms exports even to countries engaged in active conflicts.
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by Kateryna Zakharchenko | Feb. 20, 2026,
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70457
To put it in plain language, surrendering the Donbas is akin to suicide. No limp security deal can compensate for this loss. Ukraine remember the Budapest Memorandum very well. Never trust the West for security. At least, not as long as its leaders are fluffballs and squishy marshmallows.
North korean troops are learning vital lessons in this most modern warfare, and it should alarm South Korea. But, like the rest of the West, it’s not in the least distressed that they will one day face an enemy better trained than they are. No one in the entire free world has sent any troops to Ukraine to this very moment.
I would only add, Sir OFP, is to NEVER EVER trust security guarantees. Security Guarantees are only as good as the current political leaders. We all know these guarantees can be easily dismissed as seen by Obama, Biden, Trump, et al. There is no honor in the political class any longer. Honor started dying in this class as the Greatest Generation Ever started dying. Self centered MOFOs replaced the Greatest Generation with, of course, some wonderful and notable exceptions.
All that you said is spot on, Sir Cap, and think that Zelensky knows it too.