Ginebra – Negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations, mediated by the United States, concluded Tuesday without any discernible progress toward ending the nearly four-year-long conflict in Ukraine. The talks, held in Geneva, Switzerland, come just one week before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor, raising concerns about the prospects for a peaceful resolution.
Despite U.S. Pressure for a swift end to the war, significant disagreements remain between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly regarding territorial control and future security guarantees. According to a source close to the Russian delegation, the discussions were “very tense” and lasted for six hours. The negotiations are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, though expectations for a breakthrough remain low.
The ongoing conflict, which began with Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022, has resulted in widespread destruction, tens of thousands of casualties, and the displacement of millions of people. The situation is further complicated by Russia’s occupation of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014, and areas seized by Russian-backed separatists prior to the 2022 invasion. Russia is reportedly demanding full control of the Donetsk region as part of any potential agreement, threatening to capture it by force if negotiations fail.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his government is prepared to reach a “dignified agreement” to end the war, but questioned Russia’s sincerity, asking, “What is it that they want?” He accused Moscow of prioritizing missile attacks over “real diplomacy.”
Recent Escalation and Economic Pressures on Russia
The talks unfolded against a backdrop of continued fighting and accusations of escalating aggression. Ukraine accused Russia of undermining peace efforts by launching 29 missiles and 396 drones in a series of overnight attacks, resulting in at least four deaths and widespread power outages in southern Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga on social media. These attacks occurred just hours before the start of the Geneva negotiations.
A drone strike reportedly killed three employees at a power plant in Sloviansk, a city in eastern Ukraine, according to Energy Minister Denys Shmygal. Another fatality was reported in the Sumy region, in the northeast of the country. Meanwhile, Russia claimed Ukraine launched over 150 drones targeting southern regions and Crimea, with a fire reported at an oil depot in southern Russia.
Russia is facing increasing economic challenges as the war continues, with stagnant growth and a widening budget deficit due to declining oil revenues impacted by sanctions. Yet, Ukrainian forces have recently made their fastest gains in two and a half years, reclaiming 201 square kilometers of territory in the past week, according to analysis by the Associated Press, citing data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This included 72 square kilometers reportedly under Russian control and 129 square kilometers claimed by the Russian military.
Firefighters extinguish fires after a Russian airstrike in the Sumy region of Ukraine on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)
Diplomatic Efforts and Negotiating Teams
The Geneva talks represent the third round of negotiations between the three parties, following previous discussions in Abu Dhabi on January 23, 2026, which did not yield significant progress. The United States has been actively pushing for a resolution to the conflict, but has so far been unable to bridge the gap between Moscow and Kyiv on the critical issue of territory.
For the Geneva talks, the Kremlin reinstated Vladimir Medinsky, a nationalist figure and former Minister of Culture, as its chief negotiator. Ukraine was represented by Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. U.S. Officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representing President Donald Trump, were also present, according to the Associated Press.
President Trump publicly urged Ukraine to reach an agreement on Monday, stating, “They better come to the table, quick.”
What to Watch Next
As the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary, the prospects for a negotiated settlement remain uncertain. The continuation of fighting and the lack of substantial progress in Geneva suggest a prolonged period of instability. The next steps will likely involve continued diplomatic efforts, alongside ongoing military operations. The economic pressures on Russia and the potential for further gains by Ukrainian forces could influence the dynamics of the conflict in the coming months. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the security landscape of Eastern Europe and the broader international order.
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