DAVOS, Switzerland — As a third round of peace talks looms between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has launched a scathing rebuke of wealthy Russians living in Western countries, demanding they return home and accusing them of disrespecting both Ukraine and the United States. The unusually direct appeal, delivered via a statement on his social media channels, signals a hardening of rhetoric as diplomatic efforts continue to seek an end to the ongoing conflict. This latest development in the Ukraine crisis underscores the complex interplay between diplomacy, sanctions, and public messaging.
Zelenskyy’s message was blunt: “Get out of Russia. Go home. You don’t respect anyone in the United States.” He continued, “You don’t respect Ukraine, you don’t respect Europe. Go home.” The Ukrainian president’s comments reflect growing frustration with those perceived to be benefiting from the Russian system although residing comfortably abroad, seemingly shielded from the consequences of the war. The timing of this message, just before renewed negotiations, suggests a deliberate attempt to increase pressure on both Russia and Western governments.
Marcin Obara/EPA/Keystone
Beyond the direct appeal to Russian elites, Zelenskyy is also calling for increased Western sanctions, specifically targeting the Russian state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, and individuals who profit from its operations while living in Europe or the United States. This demand comes as Western nations continue to grapple with the appropriate level of economic pressure to bring the conflict to an end. The push for sanctions against Rosatom reflects a growing concern over Russia’s control of key energy resources and its potential use as leverage in the conflict, as well as broader geopolitical concerns.
Seeking Broader Sanctions and Security Guarantees
Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized the need for comprehensive sanctions against Russia’s energy sector. He specifically praised earlier sanctions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump against Lukoil and Rosneft, but argued that the West must now broaden its scope to include “the entire energy sector, especially nuclear energy.” This call for expanded sanctions aligns with ongoing debates within the European Union regarding its reliance on Russian energy sources. According to reports from January 22, 2026, as cited by Tagesschau, Zelenskyy has already reached an agreement with Trump regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, though details are still pending formal signatures and parliamentary approval.
The EU has already committed to ending all oil and gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027 and is working to gradually reduce its dependence on Russian nuclear energy. However, Zelenskyy’s call for “full sanctions” suggests he believes a more aggressive approach is necessary to compel Russia to de-escalate the conflict. The effectiveness of sanctions as a tool for achieving political objectives remains a subject of ongoing debate among policymakers and analysts.
The Importance of U.S. Security Guarantees
Zelenskyy’s push for sanctions is closely linked to his insistence on robust security guarantees from the United States. As France 24 reported, Zelenskyy has stated that only the U.S. Can persuade Russia to end the war. He previously emphasized that a ceasefire with Russia is impossible without these guarantees, even as countries like Great Britain and France have offered to secure a potential ceasefire locally. “Without the USA, no security guarantees work,” he stated, highlighting the perceived centrality of U.S. Involvement in any lasting resolution.
The question of the future of eastern Ukraine remains a key sticking point in negotiations, with Russia continuing to demand full control over the Donbass region, a position that Kyiv rejects. Intensive diplomatic efforts to end the Russian invasion have been underway for months, but a breakthrough remains elusive. The agreement with Trump, if ratified, could represent a significant step forward, but its details and ultimate impact remain to be seen.
Next Steps in the Peace Process
The third round of talks is expected to focus on a potential peace agreement, building on previous discussions. Zelenskyy’s recent statements suggest he is seeking to maximize leverage in these negotiations by appealing directly to Russian elites and pressing for stronger Western sanctions and security commitments. The outcome of these talks will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of Ukraine, Russia, and the broader European security landscape.
As of February 18, 2026, the next confirmed checkpoint is the formal signing of the security guarantee agreement between Zelenskyy and Trump, followed by ratification by both national parliaments. Further updates on the peace negotiations are expected in the coming weeks.
Here’s a developing story. If you or someone you understand has been affected by the conflict in Ukraine, resources are available to provide support. You can locate more information at the UNHCR website: https://www.unhcr.org/.
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