Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
86 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

After First Day, U.S.-Brokered Geneva Talks Zero In on Territory

Expectations remain low despite Washington's push for a near-term deal.

Delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States wait for the start of a meeting on the first day of the third round of trilateral talks, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Geneva, Switzerland, February 17, 2026. (Press service of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS)
A woman holds a Ukrainian flag at a protest near the United Nations office, on the day of U.S.-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva, Switzerland, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Pierre Albouy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy looks on as he delivers a statement along with Bavarian federal state prime minister Markus Soeder (not pictured), chairman of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger (not pictured), Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (not pictured) during the Munich Security Conference MSC, at the Residenz of the former Bavarian Kings, in Munich, Germany, February 14, 2026. REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen/File Photo
Image

Overview

  • Negotiators wrapped up day one in Geneva with Ukraine’s Rustem Umerov saying discussions focused on practical steps and that talks will resume Wednesday.
  • Russia pressed its demand that Kyiv cede the remaining roughly 20% of Donetsk, a position Ukraine rejects as the agenda widens to security, economic tracks and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
  • The United States is mediating through envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Russia’s team led by Vladimir Medinsky and Ukraine’s delegation including Kyrylo Budanov.
  • President Donald Trump increased public pressure on Kyiv by urging it to reach a deal quickly, while Ukrainian officials said they face the greatest pressure to make concessions.
  • Russian strikes continued as talks began, including attacks that severely damaged Odesa’s power network and left tens of thousands without heat and water, underscoring the low odds of a quick breakthrough.