Delegations from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia concluded two days of talks in Geneva, with discussions lasting approximately two hours. The meeting, which took place on February 17, 2026, highlighted significant differences in the parties’ positions regarding territorial issues and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns that Russia is attempting to prolong the negotiations. He noted progress in military matters, particularly regarding ceasefire monitoring, but acknowledged that political discussions on territory and sensitive issues remain contentious.
European representatives were present throughout the negotiations, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to the peace process, according to Georgiy Tikhiy, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In related developments, President Zelenskyy reported that contributions to the PURL (Public Utility Relief Fund) have reached $584 million this year, with a total requirement of $15 billion for 2026.
In an interview on February 17, Zelenskyy asserted that Ukrainians will not allow the Donbas region to be ceded to Russia and indicated a preference for maintaining the current front line. He also mentioned the possibility of participating in elections during a potential ceasefire, criticizing U.S. pressure on Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga responded to Hungarian claims that Ukraine is not defending Europe from Russia, stating that Ukraine is buying time for Europe by holding back Russian advances.
Hungary has suspended diesel fuel exports to Ukraine until oil transit issues are resolved, as stated by government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs. Prime Minister Viktor Orban attributed these problems to transit difficulties through the Druzhba pipeline, which he blamed on Ukraine.
Slovakia also announced a halt to diesel exports to Ukraine and threatened to stop electricity supplies, according to Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Ukraine continues to engage in dialogue with the European Commission, Hungary, and Slovakia regarding the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, with Tikhiy commenting on Hungary’s reluctance to adhere to EU sanctions.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces reported 102 clashes since the start of the day, primarily in the Hulyaipole direction. Ukrainian defense forces have successfully targeted Russian command points and drone workshops both within Russia and in occupied territories.
In a notable incident, a member of the elite Russian unit Rubikon, Miroslav Simonov, voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian forces, expressing a desire to fight for Ukraine.
As military operations intensify, reports indicate that Russian forces are increasing their efforts to encircle Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, while Ukrainian forces have cleared parts of Hryshyne in Donetsk from Russian troops.
In the wake of drone strikes on Zaporizhzhia, one woman was killed, and seven others, including two children, were injured, according to local authorities.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with over 15,000 deaths and more than 41,000 injuries reported since the onset of the full-scale invasion by Russia.
Recent negotiations in Geneva between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia concluded with differing positions on key issues, including territorial disputes and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Despite some progress in military discussions, political disagreements persist, highlighting the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
