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People carry Ukrainian flags 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.
People carry Ukrainian flags 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 © Pierre Albouy, Reuters

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators were to resume a second round of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Wednesday, though neither side signalled they were any closer to ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.

Ukraine war talks to resume in Geneva with no sign of progress

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators were to resume a second round of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Wednesday, though neither side signalled they were any closer to ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.

The latest talks “were very tense”, a source close to the Russian delegation told AFP. 

“They lasted six hours. They have now concluded,” the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address he was ready “to move quickly towards a worthy agreement to end the war”, but questioned whether Russia was serious about peace.

  • US-mediated talks Tuesday between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Geneva were “very tense”, a source close to the Russian delegation said.
  • Russia has stepped up its hybrid threat activities and seems willing to take greater risks in Sweden and the region, the head of Sweden’s military intelligence told AFP.
  • France on Tuesday released a tanker called Grinch suspected of being part of Russia’s sanctions-busting “shadow fleet” after its owner paid a fine of several million euros, a minister said.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)