Peace Negotiations Between Ukraine and Russia: Geneva Hosts the Third Round
A high-level Ukrainian delegation departed today, Monday, February 16, 2026, to Geneva in preparation for a third round of negotiations with Russia, in a meeting overseen by the American mediator. The discussions are scheduled to continue on February 17 and 18.
Kirill Budanov, head of the Ukrainian president's office, confirmed the delegation's departure, stating: "We are heading to Geneva. We are on the brink of a new round of negotiations," emphasizing the importance of this round in an attempt to end the conflict.
The Ukrainian delegation includes senior officials, among them Serhiy Kyslytsya, the First Deputy Head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, and Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Head of Military Intelligence.
On the Russian side, the delegation is expected to be led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to the Russian president, according to statements from Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, who announced that the talks will bring together Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Geneva on February 17 and 18.
These discussions come at a time when Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure are escalating, with Zelensky noting that Russia targeted the energy sector with thousands of shells in just one week.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw from the Donetsk region and recognize the annexation of the Ukrainian territories it occupies, while Kyiv insists on making every effort to end the war.
Geneva today serves as a new platform of hope in the peace process, amid widespread international anticipation of the outcomes of this crucial round.
