Geneva has become the latest stage for a critical push to end the nearly four-year conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as senior delegations from Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington convene under U.S. mediation. The talks begin on the back of intensified Russian military strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, complicating already strained diplomatic efforts and dampening expectations for a breakthrough.
Geneva Peace Talks Begin Amid Renewed Violence
Geneva, Switzerland — As Ukrainian and Russian delegations convene for a new round of peace negotiations brokered by the United States, Russia has escalated military pressure on Ukraine with a large-scale coordinated strike hours before talks began on February 17, 2026. The offensive, involving hundreds of drones and multiple missiles, targeted Ukraine’s energy grid and infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages and civilian casualties. Ukrainian leaders condemned the bombardment as a deliberate attempt to undermine diplomatic efforts and called for stronger international sanctions on Moscow.
Heavy Assaults Precede Diplomacy
Just before the commencement of discussions in Geneva, Russian forces launched one of their most significant barrage campaigns in recent months, deploying nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles over several regions of Ukraine. Although Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most of the attack, multiple strikes successfully hit power facilities, disrupting electricity and heating during harsh winter conditions. Officials reported that at least three energy workers were killed and tens of thousands were left without utilities. Kyiv’s leadership denounced the timing of the assault as harmful to peace efforts.
Territorial Disputes and Weak Prospects for Breakthrough
The Geneva talks bring together high-level representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the United States for two days of negotiations focused largely on contested land issues, particularly the fate of territories occupied during the 2022 invasion. While Washington has pressed for rapid progress toward a ceasefire agreement, both Kyiv and Moscow have remained firm in their positions, especially on territorial control and security guarantees. Expectations for a major breakthrough remain low, with analysts and officials noting that core disagreements over Ukrainian sovereignty and the extent of Russian territorial claims persist.
International Pressure and Ongoing Conflict
The talks coincide with broader international responses to the conflict as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion draws near. European leaders are preparing additional sanctions against Russia, and Western diplomats continue to debate strategies to support Ukraine’s defense while seeking avenues to achieve lasting peace. Meanwhile, continued shelling and drone attacks across eastern Ukraine underline the grim reality that diplomacy is unfolding against a backdrop of active warfare.
