By Micah Jonah, February 18, 2026
Fresh diplomatic efforts to end the protracted Russia-Ukraine war resumed in Geneva on Wednesday, as the United States signalled what it described as “meaningful progress” in the third round of trilateral negotiations involving Moscow and Kyiv.
The closed-door talks, which began on Tuesday, bring together delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the United States, amid mounting global pressure for a negotiated settlement ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion next week.
Although details of the discussions remain largely undisclosed, US Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, struck an optimistic tone, revealing that both parties had agreed to brief their respective leaders and continue engagement towards a possible deal.
He credited Donald Trump with facilitating the dialogue, stating that Washington was committed to ending what he described as a “terrible conflict”.
On the Ukrainian side, lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov confirmed that discussions were progressing in thematic working groups focused on “practical issues and mechanisms of possible solutions”. He disclosed plans to update President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on developments, while also maintaining consultations with European partners.
However, Zelenskyy expressed scepticism over Moscow’s commitment to peace, citing intensified overnight air strikes across Ukrainian territory. He argued that continued attacks undermine the credibility of negotiations.
Russian officials dismissed the criticism. Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, in remarks reported by state media, accused Kyiv and Western Europe of attempting to downplay diplomatic efforts, insisting that Russia remains open to peaceful resolution.
Previous rounds of negotiations held in Abu Dhabi failed to produce a breakthrough, yielding only limited agreements on prisoner exchanges and the return of bodies. The most contentious issue territorial control, particularly over eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region remains unresolved, with Kyiv firmly rejecting Moscow’s demands for full control.
Despite the renewed talks, hostilities persist on the battlefield. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones overnight, resulting in fatalities and widespread power outages in parts of southern Ukraine. Additional casualties were recorded in the Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions.
Moscow, on its part, claimed Ukrainian shelling and drone attacks killed civilians within Russian-controlled areas and asserted that its air defence systems intercepted more than 150 drones.
Observers note that the core challenge of the negotiations lies in balancing Ukraine’s sovereignty with long-term security guarantees, while navigating Russia’s strategic objectives.
With global attention fixed on Geneva, stakeholders say the coming days will determine whether the renewed diplomatic push can translate into tangible progress or remain another stalled chapter in the four-year conflict.
