The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate as negotiations mediated by the United States took place in Geneva on February 18, 2026. This marks the 1,457th day of Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Key developments include a boycott of the 2026 Paralympics by Ukrainian and EU officials in response to the participation of Russian athletes under their national flag. Following the main round of negotiations, separate meetings were held between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, led by Ukraine’s Rustem Umerov and Russia’s Vladimir Medinsky.
In the latest military developments, a Russian strike has caused significant disruptions in the Lozova community. The city’s largest heating plant, which serves nearly 16,000 residents, was rendered inoperative due to the attack. Mayor Serhiy Zelensky reported ongoing efforts by utility and energy workers to restore services, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring water supply for residents as temperatures remain below freezing.
Additionally, a drone strike targeted the roof of the Dovzhansky Cultural Center in the Kharkiv region, according to local authorities, further highlighting the ongoing hostilities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly condemned the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to allow some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags, marking a significant shift since the onset of the war. In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Zelensky criticized the decision as disrespectful and unworthy of European values, drawing parallels between this and Russia’s incremental territorial expansions in Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed hope for a subsequent round of peace talks with Russia, suggesting that such discussions should occur in February. He noted that the negotiations in Geneva involved multiple formats and participants, including representatives from France, Germany, and Italy, emphasizing the importance of European involvement in the peace process. He also highlighted the need to address humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges and the release of civilians.
In a related development, Russia’s regulatory body, Rostekhnadzor, has issued a license for the operation of the second reactor at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently under Russian occupation. This follows the issuance of a similar license for the first reactor in December 2025. Oleg Dudary, a former head of operations at the plant, has condemned this licensing as illegal, reiterating that the facility remains the property of Ukraine and that any attempts to legitimize Russian control are fundamentally flawed.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia sees continued military actions and diplomatic negotiations, with recent attacks on infrastructure and a controversial decision by the International Paralympic Committee drawing criticism from Ukrainian officials. President Zelensky emphasizes the need for further negotiations and humanitarian considerations amidst these tensions.
Source: REUTERS