'Difficult' Russia-Ukraine peace talks end without breakthrough

February 18, 2026

Trilateral peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Geneva concluded after two days without achieving a major breakthrough, though some limited progress was reported on military matters. The primary obstacle remains territorial disputes, particularly Russia's demand for complete control over the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejects as unacceptable to his country. While US officials characterized the discussions as showing "meaningful progress," both Russian and Ukrainian negotiators acknowledged the talks were difficult due to vast differences in their positions.

Who is affected

Ukrainian civilians (experiencing daily attacks, casualties, displacement, and infrastructure damage leaving millions without power and heating)
Military personnel on both sides (tens of thousands of casualties)
Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukrainian President)
Vladimir Medinsky (Kremlin negotiator)
Rustem Umerov (Ukrainian negotiator)
Steve Witkoff (US envoy)
Donald Trump (US President)
European officials from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy
Millions of displaced Ukrainians
Residents of the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk)

What action is being taken

Trilateral talks are being held between Russia, Ukraine, and the US
Daily Russian aerial attacks, artillery strikes, and air strikes are ongoing across Ukraine
Russian forces are targeting power infrastructure across Ukraine
European officials are holding talks with Ukrainians on the sidelines of the main negotiations
Zelensky is working to secure robust security guarantees from western allies

Why it matters

This matters because it represents the most significant diplomatic effort to end a devastating three-year war that has caused tens of thousands of casualties, displaced millions, and continues to inflict daily suffering on Ukrainian civilians through ongoing attacks and infrastructure destruction. The negotiations' outcome will determine whether the conflict continues or whether a peace agreement can be reached, though fundamental disagreements over territorial control—particularly Russia's demand for the Donbas region—threaten to prevent any resolution. The failure to reach agreement leaves Ukraine vulnerable to continued attacks while millions endure one of the country's coldest winters without adequate heating or electricity, and any territorial concessions could potentially set a precedent for future Russian aggression.

What's next

Another meeting between negotiators will take place "soon"
More talks will be held in Switzerland
Another prisoner exchange might be forthcoming (as indicated by Zelensky)
The fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion will occur next Tuesday

Read full article from source: BBC