Ukraine and Russia Meet in Geneva; Trump Pushes Kyiv for Fast Peace Deal
February 18, 2026
Ukraine and Russia started a two-day peace talk in Geneva on Tuesday, mediated by the US. President Donald Trump urged Kyiv to quickly reach a deal to end Europe’s largest war since 1945. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said pressure on his country to make concessions is very high. Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said talks will cover "security and humanitarian issues." The political talks ended by early evening, but military discussions continued. Before talks began, Russia launched heavy air strikes in Ukraine, damaging Odessa's power network and cutting heat and water for tens of thousands. Zelensky called for stronger sanctions and more weapons from Kyiv’s allies to ensure a "real and just" peace. Trump told reporters, "Ukraine better come to the table fast. That’s all I’m telling you." Russia demands Ukraine give up the remaining 20% of the Donetsk region. Ukraine refuses. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the talks will cover main issues including territories. European countries were present in Geneva but did not join the direct talks. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner represented Trump, attending both Ukrainian-Russian and US-Iran talks in Geneva. The meeting happens just before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full invasion. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Many Ukrainians remain mistrustful of Russia. Russia holds about 20% of Ukraine’s land, including Crimea and parts of Donbas. Russian air strikes have left many Ukrainians without heat during harsh winter. The Russian team was led by Vladimir Medinsky, Putin’s aide, known to lower expectations for breakthroughs. Military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov and Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev joined parts of the talks. Zelensky hopes the talks will be "serious, substantive," though he feels the sides often speak past each other.
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Tags:
Ukraine Russia Talks
Geneva Peace Talks
Donald trump
Volodymyr zelensky
Russia-ukraine conflict
Us mediation
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