Ukraine Russia talks: Geneva Meeting Ahead of War Anniversary

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Ukraine and Russia will meet this week in Geneva for a critical round of talks, marking a significant moment in ongoing diplomacy. The focus keyword “Ukraine Russia talks” highlights the high stakes of these discussions, which come just days before the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian and Russian delegations, alongside US representatives, will attempt to explore avenues for easing the conflict despite persistent tensions. These Geneva discussions follow earlier negotiations in Abu Dhabi, with expectations for a breakthrough remaining cautious at best, given Moscow’s firm territorial demands.

The two-day Geneva meeting, beginning Tuesday, will involve senior officials aiming to expand dialogue beyond military issues. Earlier Abu Dhabi talks concentrated on ceasefire proposals, yet Russian officials have indicated that Geneva will cover a “broader range of issues,” including territorial disputes and other contentious points. Vladimir Medinsky, a key Putin adviser with conservative views on Ukrainian sovereignty, is slated to lead Russia’s delegation. Accompanying him are Igor Kostyukov, chief of Russian military intelligence, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, along with nearly two dozen other officials. Ukraine will send the same delegation as in previous rounds, led by Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defence council.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised that diplomacy must be backed by both justice and strength. On social media, he stressed the importance of sustained sanctions and rapid support for Ukraine’s military, asserting that pressure on Russia remains vital. Switzerland, hosting the talks for the first time on European soil, was reportedly a choice pushed by Washington. The Trump administration envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who will lead US engagement, are also scheduled for meetings with Iranian officials in Geneva later this week.

Former President Trump, who has frequently alternated between criticising Moscow and Kyiv, recently placed blame on Zelenskyy for delaying negotiations. “Zelenskyy needs to act. Russia wants to make a deal. He needs to act, otherwise he will miss a great opportunity,” Trump said. Yet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, cautioned that the United States remains uncertain about Russia’s sincerity regarding ending the war.

Zelenskyy has made it clear that Ukraine will not surrender territory in the Donbas region, a primary Kremlin objective. He cited past Russian aggression in Chechnya, Georgia, and Crimea, warning that conceding land would be a historic error. “Allowing the aggressor to take something is a big mistake,” he said, adding that Ukraine will not repeat past leadership mistakes. Zelenskyy highlighted the staggering costs to Russia, which reportedly suffers losses of 30,000-35,000 personnel monthly as it continues its territorial push.

In Kyiv, expectations for a significant breakthrough remain low. Zelenskyy reiterated that the heavily defended northern Donetsk oblast, including Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, would remain under Ukrainian control to protect roughly 200,000 civilians. Ukraine has pledged to maintain a constructive role in Geneva, despite differences with the US over security guarantees. While the Trump administration proposes a fifteen-year commitment, Kyiv seeks a 30-50 year guarantee. Zelenskyy has expressed hope for war resolution within the year.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential office, documented the delegation’s journey to Geneva, emphasising lessons from history and the protection of Ukraine’s interests. Observers note that Medinsky’s presence, linked to a controversial 2021 essay attributing shared origins to Ukraine and Russia, signals Moscow’s potentially unserious approach to the negotiations. Olexiy Haran, political analyst at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, observed that Ukrainians largely reject US-Russian calls for presidential elections during the ongoing conflict, citing unsafe conditions.

Haran also stressed that Kremlin pressure aims to destabilise Ukraine while questioning the government’s legitimacy, a narrative partially echoed by Trump. Conducting elections amid martial law and war conditions would present enormous legal and logistical challenges. Haran concluded that meaningful political renewal can only occur once the war ends and security conditions are assured, underscoring Ukraine’s steadfast approach to Geneva talks.

The Geneva negotiations thus represent a careful balance between diplomatic engagement and unwavering defense, with Ukraine navigating complex international pressures. While the international community watches closely, the outcome remains uncertain, reflecting the ongoing challenges of securing a lasting resolution to a war that has profoundly reshaped Eastern Europe. As Geneva becomes the focus of global attention, the stakes for Ukraine, Russia, and international mediators could not be higher, with history, territory, and lives hanging in the balance.

Check our latest news