New Round of Peace Talks Between Russia and Ukraine

The latest attempt to end the war between Russia and Ukraine is underway, with new peace talks commencing in Geneva, Switzerland, under the mediation of the United States. The talks, which started on February 17, 2026, aim to find a resolution to the conflict that has been ongoing for almost four years. However, hopes for a breakthrough are low due to the significant differences in the positions of the two parties.

Key Points

New peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have started in Geneva, Switzerland
The talks are being mediated by the United States
Russia is demanding the surrender of the remaining 20% of the eastern region of Donetsk
Ukraine is focusing on humanitarian issues and security guarantees
The talks are scheduled to last for two days
The US Chief Negotiator, Steve Witkoff, is expected to attend the talks
The Ukrainian side is pushing for a ceasefire on attacks on energy facilities
Russia has been targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing power, water, and heating outages

Background

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, when Russian forces launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the war has caused significant human suffering, with thousands of civilians killed or injured, and millions displaced. The international community has been trying to broker a peace deal, but so far, all attempts have failed. The latest round of talks in Geneva is seen as a crucial opportunity to find a resolution to the conflict. According to Ukraine-Ticker-Agenturen: Nächste Runde der Friedensgespräche in Genf, the talks are a significant development in the ongoing conflict. As reported by Ukraine-Krieg aktuell: „Produktive Friedensgespräche“ – USA und Russland nehmen Militärdialog wieder auf, the US and Russia have resumed their military dialogue, which is a positive sign for the peace talks.

The Russian side has been demanding the surrender of the remaining 20% of the eastern region of Donetsk, which is currently under Ukrainian control. However, Ukraine has rejected this demand, citing its sovereignty and territorial integrity. As stated by Neue Termine für Ukraine-Friedensgespräche in Abu Dhabi stehen fest, the talks in Abu Dhabi were a significant step towards finding a resolution to the conflict. The Ukrainian side is focusing on humanitarian issues, such as the release of prisoners and the provision of aid to affected areas. They are also seeking security guarantees, including a ceasefire on attacks on energy facilities. As reported by Ukraine warnt vor weiteren Stromausfällen, Ukraine is warning of further power outages due to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Analysis

The latest round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is a crucial opportunity to find a resolution to the conflict. However, the significant differences in the positions of the two parties make it difficult to achieve a breakthrough. As stated by Starlink-Blockade: Ukraine gelingt größte Geländerückeroberung seit 2023, Ukraine has made significant gains in recent months, which could give it an upper hand in the negotiations. The US mediation is seen as a positive factor, as it can help to facilitate a dialogue between the two parties. According to Ukraine-Drohnen nehmen Putins Energie-Ader ins Visier – Nächste Verhandlungen stehen an, Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian energy facilities have given it a strategic advantage.

The conflict has significant implications for the international community, including the risk of a wider war and the impact on global energy markets. As reported by Ukraine-News: Trump will Atomkrieg verhindert haben – EU verabschiedet neue Russland-Sanktionen, the EU has imposed new sanctions on Russia, which could further escalate the conflict. The talks in Geneva are seen as a crucial opportunity to find a resolution to the conflict and avoid further escalation.

What's Next

The outcome of the peace talks in Geneva is uncertain, but it is clear that the international community is eager to find a resolution to the conflict. As stated by Tagesschau, the talks are a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The US and EU have imposed sanctions on Russia, which could further escalate the conflict. However, the talks in Geneva offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. According to Ukraine-Ticker-Agenturen: Nächste Runde der Friedensgespräche in Genf, the talks are scheduled to last for two days, and a breakthrough is possible if the parties are willing to compromise.