🤝 Ukrainian and Russian delegations are meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, for another round of U.S.-brokered talks, looking for steps that could help end the war—even as officials on both sides signal a breakthrough is unlikely anytime soon 1243. The session comes days before next week’s fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a reminder of both the urgency and the deep disagreements still separating the parties 23.
Reporting across outlets suggests the main disputes remain unresolved, especially over territory and the security guarantees Ukraine says it needs to deter another attack 14. The Kremlin has indicated territorial issues will be central to this latest round 5.
Sources
- Ukraine and Russia Hold New Round of Peace Talks, but Expectations Are Low [nytimes.com] (2026-02-17)
- Expectations are low for the latest US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine [abcnews.go.com] (2026-02-17)
- Ukraine, Russia to hold second round of talks in Geneva as war nears fourth year [firstpost.com] (2026-02-17)
- Russia and Ukraine head to latest U.S.-brokered talks with low expectations [pbs.org] (2026-02-16)
- Trump ups pressure on Kyiv as Russia, Ukraine hold peace talks in Geneva [aljazeera.com] (2026-02-17)
Highlights
- Schedule/format: The Geneva round runs Tuesday through Wednesday in Switzerland, with delegations traveling in for the meetings 42.
- Track record: Both sides have described earlier U.S.-mediated contacts as “productive,” even without a clear breakthrough on ending the war 1.
- Agenda emphasis: Firstpost says the talks are expected to cover territorial questions and possible ceasefire-related issues, though expectations for major progress remain low 3.
- Outside pressure: Al Jazeera reports President Trump has stepped up pressure on Kyiv as the Geneva talks proceed 5.
Perspectives
Ukraine (negotiating position): Ukrainian officials say any workable settlement needs credible security guarantees, and earlier talks did not appear to settle that issue.
Russia (Kremlin): The Kremlin says the talks are likely to focus on territorial questions, including areas Russia wants Ukraine to cede.
U.S.-mediated channel (expectations): Coverage portrays Washington as the main convener of this track, while also noting both sides are holding to their positions and that significant progress is not expected in this round 4.