Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Stall After Geneva Meetings; Additional Bilateral Negotiations Planned

Geneva peace talks between Ukraine and Russia concluded on February 18, 2026, with no significant breakthrough, though both sides confirmed plans for further bilateral negotiations. The discussions, mediated by the United States, were described as “difficult” and “complex,” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterizing them as “historical shit.”

Additional Meeting Held Behind Closed Doors

Following the official consultations, an additional meeting took place between representatives from both countries. Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation, confirmed the meeting occurred before his departure, but did not disclose the specifics of the conversation.

Ukrainian press secretary Diana Davityan confirmed the additional meeting to Suspilne, stating it lasted approximately an hour and a half and included Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada.

Ukrainian Delegation Downplays Significance of Meeting

According to Advisor to the President of Ukraine on communications, Dmitry Lytvyn, the meeting with Medinsky was not a formal part of the negotiations. He explained that Medinsky requested the meeting to clarify points discussed earlier and emphasized that it should not be considered a separate format. Lytvyn similarly noted that part of the Ukrainian delegation had already left when Medinsky addressed the remaining representatives, and that the discussion did not yield any essential outcomes.

Medinsky’s Background and Role

Vladimir Medinsky, a Russian politician and diplomat currently serving as an Aide to President Putin, previously served as Russia’s culture minister according to Wikipedia. He led the Russian delegation in Geneva. Medinsky is a historian and author, though the factual basis of his historical works has been questioned by some established historians as reported by RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty.

Negotiations Yield Limited Results

Despite being described as “tough, but businesslike” by Medinsky, the negotiations failed to produce a substantial breakthrough. Umerov stated that clarity was achieved on certain issues, but details remain undisclosed. Discussions were described as “intense, and meaningful.”