Ukraine and Russia Meet in Geneva as Trump Piles Pressure on Kyiv

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia convened in Geneva on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, for US-mediated peace talks, as President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to reach a deal with Russia “fast.” The talks, focused on territorial and political concessions, reach days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Trump Administration’s Push for Resolution

President Trump has been actively pushing for an end to the conflict, which began in February 2022. He stated, “Ukraine better come to the table, fast,” while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. This pressure comes after two previous rounds of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi failed to yield a breakthrough.

Key Players and Demands

The US delegation includes Trump’s top envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Russia’s team is led by former Russian culture minister Vladimir Medinsky. Ukraine is represented by Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, and Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff.

Moscow continues to demand sweeping territorial and political concessions from Ukraine, including control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of the Donbas region. Ukraine has rejected these demands as tantamount to capitulation.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Conflict

Ahead of the talks, Russia launched heavy airstrikes across Ukraine, causing significant damage to the power network in Odesa, leaving tens of thousands without heat and water. President Zelenskyy has called for increased sanctions against Russia and continued military support for Ukraine.

Ukraine is also seeking the return of approximately 20,000 children allegedly forcibly transferred from occupied territories to Russia. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin and his children’s rights commissioner for the unlawful deportation of children.

Low Expectations for Breakthrough

Despite the renewed US efforts to revive diplomacy, expectations for a significant breakthrough remain low. Ukrainian negotiators have previously expressed skepticism about Medinsky’s role in the talks. Rustem Umerov stated that the talks would focus on “security and humanitarian issues,” and that they were “working constructively, focused and without excessive expectations.”

As of February 17, 2026, the political portion of the talks had concluded, but military representatives continued discussions.