Geneva Hosts Critical Discussions
Geneva, Switzerland – A new round of US-brokered peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials commenced today, February 17, 2026, in Geneva. The two-day meeting, scheduled to run through Wednesday, marks the third such engagement facilitated by the United States, following previous rounds held in Abu Dhabi. These discussions unfold just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Expectations for a significant breakthrough in the protracted conflict remain notably low, with both sides maintaining firm stances on core demands. The United States has reportedly set a June deadline for the parties to reach a settlement.
Delegations and Key Agendas
The Ukrainian delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council. He is joined by Kyrylo Budanov, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff, and senior presidential aide Serhiy Kyslytsya. Ukraine's representatives have indicated their focus on security and humanitarian issues, as well as an energy ceasefire.
Leading the Russian delegation is Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin. The Russian team also includes Igor Kostyukov, head of Russian military intelligence, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's special envoy, is participating in a separate working group dedicated to economic issues. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the talks would address a 'broader range of issues,' with a particular emphasis on territorial questions.
Sticking Points and International Involvement
The central sticking point in negotiations continues to be the issue of territory. Russia is demanding that Ukraine cede the remaining 20 percent of the eastern region of Donetsk that Moscow has not yet captured, a demand Kyiv has consistently refused. The US has proposed establishing a free economic zone in the disputed area, alongside overall security guarantees for Ukraine against future Russian aggression.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, who were involved in previous rounds, are expected to represent the Trump administration's interests in these discussions.
Ongoing Conflict and Pre-Talk Warnings
The talks are taking place against a backdrop of continued intense fighting along the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line. Russian forces continue to bombard civilian areas and Ukraine's power grid, while Kyiv conducts almost daily long-range drone attacks on war-related assets within Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently warned that Russia is preparing new large-scale attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, cautioning that such actions could further complicate peace efforts.
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