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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed his team to organize a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva, Switzerland, according to reports from Delfi. The move comes as a third round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia is underway in Geneva, facilitated by the United States. Zelenskyy emphasized that a direct, in-person meeting with Putin is the most effective path toward a breakthrough on territorial issues.

This development occurs amidst ongoing conflict and stalled progress in negotiations. The primary obstacle to a resolution remains the question of territory, with Russia demanding full control of the Donetsk region, whereas Ukraine refuses to cede any land to the aggressor and is calling for a ceasefire along the demarcation line. The situation is further complicated by differing expectations for the outcome of the talks, with Ukrainian negotiators approaching the process “constructively, purposefully and ‘without unnecessary expectations’,” as stated by Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

Zelenskyy’s directive signals a potential shift in Ukraine’s diplomatic strategy. Previously, Zelenskyy publicly invited Putin to Kyiv, a gesture that was not reciprocated. The choice of Geneva as a potential meeting location is significant, as it is a frequent site for international diplomacy and negotiations. The United States’ role in facilitating the current round of talks and potentially mediating a meeting between the two presidents underscores the continued international involvement in seeking a resolution to the conflict.

Negotiations Focus on Territorial Disputes

The core issue dividing Ukraine and Russia remains the status of occupied territories. Russia is reportedly seeking complete control over the Donetsk region, a demand Ukraine has rejected. According to Deutsche Welle, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has stated that conditions for a meeting with Zelenskyy have not yet been met. This suggests a significant gap remains between the positions of the two sides.

The United States has also been actively involved in diplomatic efforts. U.S. Special envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Putin to discuss a peace plan, as reported by The Associated Press. However, U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that Zelenskyy is responsible for the lack of progress in negotiations, urging him to move forward with a deal, a statement that indicates increasing pressure from Washington for Kyiv to reach an agreement.

International Perspectives on the Conflict

The conflict in Ukraine has drawn significant international attention and concern. At the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy characterized Putin as a “slave to war,” stating that Putin’s inability to relinquish the idea of war extends beyond Ukraine to other European nations, according to LRT. This statement reflects the deep distrust and animosity that currently characterize the relationship between the two leaders.

Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, has highlighted the territorial issue as the most difficult obstacle to overcome in the negotiations, emphasizing the need for both sides to locate acceptable conditions to end the war. Meanwhile, Russian officials, such as Aleksey Zhuravlev, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, have indicated that Russia would not be satisfied with merely gaining control of the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties. Zelenskyy reported that Russia suffered approximately 35,000 casualties (killed or wounded) in December and 30,000 in January in the Donbas region, stating that each square kilometer gained by Russia costs Moscow 156 soldiers. These figures, if accurate, underscore the high cost of the war for both sides.

As the third round of negotiations continues in Geneva, the prospect of a direct meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin offers a potential, albeit uncertain, path toward de-escalation. The success of such a meeting will depend on both leaders’ willingness to compromise on the critical issue of territorial disputes and address the fundamental disagreements that have fueled the conflict. The international community will be closely watching for any signs of progress in the coming days and weeks.

The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as negotiations continue. Stay informed about the latest updates on the conflict in Ukraine and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.

Rosario, Argentina – A yacaré, a type of caiman, measuring between 1.5 and 2 meters in length, caused a stir at the popular La Florida beach on the Paraná River this Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The unexpected appearance of the reptile prompted lifeguards to order swimmers out of the water as a precautionary measure, according to reports.

The incident occurred around 5:00 PM local time on a hot and humid day, with the beach reportedly crowded with families and young people enjoying the afternoon. The yacaré was initially spotted with only its head visible, leading to initial reports of its size being “a little over a meter and a half long,” but later estimates placed it closer to two meters. The presence of the animal created a momentary panic, but authorities reported a calm evacuation of the swimming area.