Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks End After Short Session in Geneva

Delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States met in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17 and 18, 2026, for the third round of trilateral peace talks aimed at ending the war. The second day wrapped up after only two hours with no major agreement reached, though all sides described the discussions as businesslike and pledged to keep talking.

Background

These talks mark the first time Russia and Ukraine have sat down face-to-face with US mediators in Europe since the conflict began. The first two rounds took place in the United Arab Emirates in late January. US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, helped set up the meetings. He said after the first day that both Ukraine and Russia agreed to update their leaders and push forward.

The war, now in its fourth year, has caused heavy losses on both sides. Ukraine faces constant Russian strikes on its energy grid, leaving millions without power in winter. Russia reports shooting down Ukrainian drones almost every night. Both countries claim the other drags its feet on peace.

Ukraine's team arrived focused on real results. They also met with officials from France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland on the sidelines. Russia's side stressed a careful approach, keeping details from the press.

Key Details

The talks opened on Tuesday with sessions that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called difficult. He posted on social media that Russia seemed to want to stretch things out. Zelenskyy thanked the US for patience in dealing with Russian negotiators.

Military and Political Tracks

Delegations split talks into military and political parts. Zelenskyy said Wednesday that the military side went well. All three teams found common ground on monitoring a ceasefire and steps to end fighting, if leaders agree.

"The military basically understand how to monitor a ceasefire and the end of the war, if there is political will. They have basically agreed on pretty much everything there." – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Rustem Umerov, who leads Ukraine's delegation as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, stressed substantive work before day two. Vladimir Medinsky, a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, called the talks difficult but businesslike. He leads Russia's group and said more meetings will happen soon.

Witkoff praised the progress on X. He noted Trump's role in getting both sides together and stopping the killing.

Ongoing Attacks

Strikes continued during the talks. Ukraine's emergency service reported one death and six injuries from a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia Tuesday evening. Another hit the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight. Zelenskyy urged partners to press Russia harder over missile and drone strikes on cities and power plants.

Russia's Defense Ministry said it downed 43 Ukrainian drones overnight. Its air agency put flight limits at several airports due to drone threats.

Russian officials stayed quiet overall. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said no announcements planned and talks stayed private. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called any step toward resolution important but blamed European allies for pushing Ukraine to fight on.

Zelenskyy repeated Ukraine's readiness for a fair deal. He said Kyiv acts to defend its land and independence. The question, he added, is what Russia wants.

What This Means

No breakthrough keeps the war going for now. Both sides face pressure. Ukraine deals with blackouts and cold as strikes hit energy sites. Russia pushes back drone attacks and limits flights in key areas.

Progress on military steps like ceasefire checks shows some trust at that level. But political issues, like territory and long-term security, block a full deal. Leaders must now review reports from their teams.

Zelenskyy wants more costs on Russia from partners. He said the US proposed both sides hold off on attacks, but Moscow keeps firing Shahed drones and missiles. Russia sees European influence as the problem.

New talks loom soon. Witkoff, Medinsky, and Umerov all point to continued work. The short second day suggests tough spots remain, but no one walked away.

The Geneva setting adds weight. Switzerland hosts neutral ground for such meetings. Protesters outside waved Ukrainian flags and held signs during the sessions.

Ukraine pushes for quick resolution. Zelenskyy said his team must raise the strikes issue strongly. Russia focuses on its view of history and security needs.

Families on both sides wait. Soldiers hold lines while diplomats talk. Each short session tests patience but keeps a door open.

Medinsky's businesslike tone matches Umerov's focus. Witkoff's updates signal US commitment. Zelenskyy's mix of hope and pushback reflects Kyiv's stance.

Strikes like Zaporizhzhia remind everyone of the cost. One dead, others hurt, even as negotiators meet far away. Drones overhead keep tension high.

Political will decides next. Military experts agree on basics. Leaders choose if that leads to peace or more fighting.

Talks shift now to capitals. Presidents and aides weigh options. Public statements hint at paths forward, but details stay close.

Winter drags on. Power flickers in Ukraine. Flights pause in Russia. Diplomats plan round four.