Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Geneva is set to host renewed discussions between the United States and Ukraine on Thursday, February 26th, as the conflict with Russia enters its fifth year. The talks come as international efforts to find a resolution continue, though previous negotiations have yielded limited progress. The aim is to explore pathways towards a potential peace agreement, building on recent diplomatic engagements.

The upcoming meeting was announced by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during an online appearance at the Yalta European Strategy conference on February 24th. This round of discussions follows a previous series of negotiations held in Geneva on February 17th and 18th, which included representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Those talks reportedly failed to produce any breakthroughs regarding territorial disputes or a ceasefire, highlighting the significant challenges to reaching a resolution.

Witkoff indicated he will be traveling to Geneva alongside Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and co-chair of the U.S. Delegation, for discussions with Iran, according to Interfax-Ukraine. In addition to these talks, Kushner and Witkoff are scheduled to meet with Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Witkoff stated he secured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval for the meeting after a phone conversation with Umerov, noting that the two officials communicate “almost daily.”

The objective of these continued discussions, Witkoff explained, is to build upon the recent negotiations and identify potential avenues for a peace accord. Following the Geneva meeting, Umerov may travel to the United States for another round of talks, he added. Witkoff and President Trump believe a trilateral meeting involving Zelensky, Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin should be held to address territorial issues and security guarantees, though he acknowledged that negotiations have not yet reached that stage.

Previous Negotiations and Sticking Points

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the cabinet of President Zelensky, confirmed on Tuesday that a fresh series of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine is expected to take place on February 26th and 27th, as reported by Ukrainian media. The Kremlin has not yet confirmed this timeline. The previous negotiations in Geneva, held on February 17th and 18th, revealed persistent disagreements, particularly concerning territorial claims.

According to reports from the negotiations, the positions of Ukraine and Russia “differ” on key issues, as stated by President Zelensky. There is currently no agreement on “sensitive” questions related to territories and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently occupied by Russian forces. Discussions were divided into two working groups: one focused on the political aspects of conflict resolution, and the other on military matters.

Regarding the military aspects, Zelensky affirmed that both sides had reached agreement on “almost all points” concerning the implementation and monitoring of a potential ceasefire. He described the potential monitoring process as “assuredly” involving American participation, viewing this as a “positive signal.” However, he emphasized that such a truce would require a shared “political will,” which remains elusive.

Broader Geopolitical Context

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2014, escalated significantly in February 2022 with a full-scale Russian invasion. The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The United States and its allies have provided substantial military and economic aid to Ukraine, although also imposing sanctions on Russia. The situation remains a key focus of international diplomacy, with numerous countries involved in efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution. The involvement of the U.S. In these talks underscores the continued commitment of the Biden administration to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The potential for a trilateral meeting between Zelensky, Trump, and Putin, as suggested by Witkoff, represents a significant, though currently unrealized, development. Such a meeting would require a substantial shift in the current dynamics of the conflict and a willingness from all parties to engage in direct negotiations. The outcome of the upcoming talks in Geneva will be closely watched by the international community as a potential indicator of whether a diplomatic solution to the conflict is still possible.

As the conflict continues, the focus remains on de-escalation and finding a path towards a sustainable peace. The upcoming discussions in Geneva represent a crucial opportunity to advance these goals, though significant challenges remain. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments in the coming days and weeks.

Please share your thoughts and reactions to these developments in the comments below.

Milan, Italy – The U.S. Men’s hockey team’s gold medal victory at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was imbued with a deeply personal significance, a tribute to former player Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died in August 2024. The team’s emotional win against Canada, secured in overtime 2-1, was immediately followed by a poignant gesture of remembrance, bringing Gaudreau’s young sons, Johnny Jr., 2, and Noa, 3, onto the ice to share in the celebration. The act resonated profoundly with Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, who expressed her gratitude for the team’s enduring respect for her late husband.

The Olympic triumph served as a powerful reminder of Gaudreau’s impact, both on and off the ice. A seven-time NHL All-Star and a key player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Gaudreau was considered a strong contender for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team before his untimely death. The team carried his spirit throughout the tournament, a testament to his lasting legacy within the sport. The emotional weight of the victory, and the team’s dedication to honoring Gaudreau’s memory, underscores the close bonds forged within the world of professional hockey.

A Gesture of Remembrance

Following the gold medal win on Sunday, February 22, 2026, players Dylan Larkin and Matthew Tkachuk brought Johnny Jr. And Noa onto the ice, presenting them with the team’s championship jersey bearing Gaudreau’s number 13. The image of the young boys, accompanied by their grandparents, Guy and Jane, alongside the victorious team, quickly circulated, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. L’Équipe reported on the deeply moving scene, highlighting the team’s commitment to keeping Gaudreau’s memory alive.

Dylan Larkin holds Johnny Jr., son of the late Johnny Gaudreau, after the U.S. Men’s hockey team’s victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. (Petr David Josek/AP/SIPA)

“They didn’t have to do that,” Meredith Gaudreau told NBC News. “I was really proud, and I’m so grateful to them for including my kids and honoring my husband. It’s just class. They have so many thoughtful gestures and involve our kids in everything. I know that’s exactly what John would have wanted.” She further emphasized the profound impact of the team’s support, stating, “Every day is still painful. So, when the guys go out of their way to include John and our kids, it means the world to me. They are really good people, great friends. I look at them as role models. And everything they do shows how much they love John and how much respect they have for him. I’m really proud of John for the impact he had.”

A Legacy Cut Short

The tragedy that befell Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, in August 2024 sent shockwaves through the hockey community. The brothers were struck and killed by a drunk driver although cycling in New Jersey, just days before their sister’s wedding. RDS.ca reported that Gaudreau had been actively preparing for a potential Olympic appearance, training rigorously with his father in the months leading up to his death. His dedication to the sport and his positive influence on teammates were widely acknowledged.

Adding to the heartbreak, both Meredith Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, were expecting children at the time of the accident. Madeline Gaudreau gave birth to Tripp Matthew in December 2024. The Gaudreau family’s resilience in the face of unimaginable loss has been a source of inspiration for many. The team’s continued remembrance of Johnny Gaudreau, including displaying his jersey in the locker room throughout the Olympic Games, demonstrates the enduring power of camaraderie and respect within the sport.

Meredith Gaudreau shared that she told her daughter, Noa, “Daddy’s friends aim for to take a picture with you and Johnny. You can do that because of Daddy, they love him and they miss him too.” Noa, accompanied by her grandparents, reportedly responded with enthusiasm, beginning to understand her father’s legacy. Their youngest child, Carter, 11 months vintage, was unable to travel to Milan due to a lack of a passport.

The U.S. Men’s hockey team’s dedication to honoring Johnny Gaudreau’s memory extends beyond the Olympic Games. The team’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering those lost and supporting their families. As the team moves forward, they will undoubtedly carry Gaudreau’s spirit with them, continuing to inspire and uplift those around them.

The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the immediate family and team, prompting ongoing conversations about road safety and the dangers of impaired driving. The hockey community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved player and brother, and the legacy of Johnny Gaudreau will undoubtedly live on for years to come.

Share your thoughts and memories of Johnny Gaudreau in the comments below.

Five human rights organizations have called on the Lebanese government to take immediate action to secure justice for victims of abuses stemming from the ongoing conflict with Israel, a year after the stipulated deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Legal Agenda, the Union of Journalists in Lebanon, and Reporters Without Borders jointly issued an open letter to Lebanon’s Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, who heads the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law.

The organizations cite continued Israeli attacks and widespread infrastructure damage as obstacles to the return of tens of thousands of displaced people and the rebuilding of their lives. Since the ceasefire agreement, over 380 people have been killed, including at least 127 civilians, according to the groups. Israeli forces remain in parts of Lebanese territory and continue to destroy civilian structures along the border.

The letter accuses the Lebanese government of inaction, stating it has ignored legal avenues available to it, including domestic investigations and accepting the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over international crimes committed in Lebanon. The organizations urge the government to act on these options “as a matter of urgency.”

The groups demand Israel allow the safe return of displaced Lebanese citizens and provide “full, effective and adequate reparations” for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. They also call on other nations, particularly the United States, to suspend arms transfers to Israel, citing the risk of these weapons being used to commit further violations.

A key recommendation is for Lebanon to file a declaration with the ICC, accepting the court’s jurisdiction under Article 12(3) of the Rome Statute to investigate crimes committed on Lebanese territory since October 7, 2023. The letter also suggests considering ratification of the Rome Statute itself. The organizations advocate for the establishment of prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial domestic judicial investigations into war crimes, supported by a law criminalizing such acts.

To aid in documenting the extent of the harm, the groups propose establishing a registrar to record all killings, injuries, and damages to civilians. They also recommend inviting the United Nations special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence to visit Lebanon and recommend measures for upholding victims’ rights.

The ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel, which came into effect in November 2024, stipulated a 60-day withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. However, Israel announced in February 2025 its intention to maintain a military presence in five “strategic” vantage points. Israel’s defense minister subsequently stated that forces would “stay indefinitely” in a border buffer zone, linking any troop reduction to the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Previous reports from Lebanese and international rights groups have documented the devastating impact of hostilities on civilians, including the use of white phosphorus by the Israeli military, indiscriminate attacks targeting electronic devices, and attacks on journalists, health facilities, and ambulances. Reports also cite unlawful airstrikes against civilians and civilian objects, as well as ongoing destruction of Lebanese border villages. Hezbollah’s firing of unguided rockets into populated civilian areas in Israel has also been documented.

According to a 2008 Pew Research Center survey, negative views concerning Jews were most prevalent in Lebanon, with 97% of Lebanese holding unfavorable opinions. A 2011 Pew survey indicated only 3% of Lebanese reported having a positive view of Jews. Israeli law enforcement treats Lebanon as an “enemy state,” and individuals with Israeli stamps or visas in their passports are prohibited from entering Lebanon and may face arrest.