Geneva Peace Summit: Territorial Deadlock and the Evolving Role of American Mediation

The third round of trilateral peace negotiations, facilitated by the United States, resumed in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This follows a high-stakes opening day of consultations that commenced on February 17, marking a critical juncture in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. The resumption of talks in the Swiss city underscores the intensified international pressure to find a diplomatic exit from the hostilities that have defined the region's recent history.

Direct dialogue between representatives from Moscow and Kyiv focused heavily on the logistical frameworks and practical mechanics of potential resolutions. Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) and head of the Ukrainian delegation, emphasized the focus on workable solutions and the technical aspects of a possible settlement. However, contrasting narratives emerged regarding the progress of these talks; while U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reported "significant progress," sources close to the Russian side described the initial six-hour session on February 17 as "very tense." Despite these differing perspectives, both parties have agreed to brief their respective leaderships before proceeding with further work.

The primary obstacle remains the unresolved territorial dispute, which previously stalled discussions during two earlier rounds held in Abu Dhabi throughout January and early February 2026. The Russian delegation, led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, maintains a firm demand for the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the entirety of the territory claimed by Russia as the Donbas. In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky has remained steadfast, asserting that any proposal requiring Ukraine to cede territories not currently under Russian occupation would be subject to—and likely rejected by—a national referendum. This fundamental disagreement over sovereignty continues to be the most significant barrier to a breakthrough.

Diplomatic tensions have been further strained by public messaging coming from Washington. President Zelensky characterized President Donald Trump’s public appeals for Ukrainian concessions as "unfair," noting that similar demands have not been directed toward Moscow. Despite these public disagreements, Zelensky acknowledged that his direct interactions with Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian leader pointed to continued Russian aerial bombardments of Ukrainian cities as a clear sign that Moscow lacks a genuine commitment to the peace process at this stage.

The diplomatic landscape in Geneva is further populated by security advisors from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany, who held separate bilateral meetings with both American and Ukrainian officials. Representing the Russian position, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov clarified that Moscow’s objective is a "long-term" comprehensive agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. Adding to the complexity of the week's events, American mediators were also reportedly engaged in indirect discussions with Iranian officials within the same city, highlighting the broader geopolitical context surrounding the Geneva summit.