Ukraine Peace Talks End in Acrimony After Two Hours in Geneva

Published: 19 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A fresh round of peace negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four‑year‑long war between Ukraine and Russia collapsed in acrimony on Wednesday after lasting just two hours in Geneva, raising fresh doubts about prospects for a diplomatic settlement to one of Europe’s most destructive conflicts. The talks, mediated by the United States, were abruptly cut short with no breakthrough on core issues and sharp exchanges between Kyiv and Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the proceedings as “difficult” and accused Russian negotiators of deliberately stalling progress toward peace, saying Moscow was trying to “drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage.” Zelensky also voiced frustration at what he described as undue pressure from US leaders, who he said were calling on Ukraine — not Russia — to make concessions.

Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky described the talks as “tough but business‑like,” but offered little detail on what, if any, substantive matters were agreed. Officials confirmed that the two‑hour session on Wednesday was much shorter than the six‑hour meeting held the previous day, and that neither side had signalled meaningful progress toward ending hostilities.

The impasse reflects deep‑seated disagreements over Russia’s demands — including territorial concessions in eastern Ukraine — which Ukraine has firmly rejected. Zelensky reiterated that any peace plan requiring Kyiv to cede territory held before Moscow’s full‑scale invasion in 2022 would be subject to a national referendum and is unacceptable to the Ukrainian public.

Despite the acrimonious end to the talks, delegations indicated that further negotiations are likely. Medinsky hinted at future meetings, though no date has yet been set. Meanwhile, the war on the ground continues, with fighting and Russian attacks adding to the humanitarian toll even as diplomats seek a pathway to halt the bloodshed.

Read More At>>