Russia and Ukraine hold third round of peace talks in Geneva

2026-02-17 20:39:37, Kosova & Bota CNA

Delegations from Ukraine and Russia met in Geneva on Tuesday for a new round of peace negotiations brokered by the United States, a week before the fourth anniversary of Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Expectations for any agreement are low, as Moscow has not wavered from its maximalist demands for Ukrainian territory.

Russia's attacks on Ukraine are continuing nightly, further damaging the country's energy system as Ukrainians grapple with freezing weather.

Hours before the delegations were due to meet in Switzerland, Moscow launched a series of strikes on Ukraine, hitting 12 regions with 400 drones and 30 missiles. At least three people were killed.

The latest attacks show "the extent to which Russia underestimates peace efforts," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.

Russia has said its air defenses have shot down more than 150 drones, and that an oil refinery has caught fire after a Ukrainian drone attack.

Tuesday's talks are being mediated by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law.

Ukraine is represented by the Secretary for National Security, Rustem Umerov, and Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Russian delegation also includes Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and military intelligence figures.

"I don't think we should expect any news today," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that the talks would continue on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said Ukraine "needs to come to the table as soon as possible."

Trump has previously signaled that he has lost patience with the lack of progress in resolving this four-year conflict.

Russia currently owns 20 percent of Ukraine, including parts of the eastern Donbas region. The Kremlin wants Ukraine to hand over the rest of the region, but Ukraine has rejected this demand.

Kiev wants security guarantees from the West before agreeing to a peace deal with Russia.

The new round of talks comes after trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi, also mediated by the United States.

There was no final agreement – ??although the parties agreed to exchange prisoners. /REL