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Russia-Ukraine peace talks begin amid escalating frontline offensives

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 4:34 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 17 February 2026 4:34 PM ]

Russian armed forces capture the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, June 28, 2025. (Photo via social media)

Russian and Ukrainian forces intensified their offensives on Tuesday, even as delegations met in Geneva for US-brokered peace talks aimed at resolving disputes over territorial concessions.

The negotiations, mediated by the United States, are set to last for two days and focus on Moscow’s demands for territorial concessions. US President Donald Trump has urged Kiev to respond swiftly to Russia’s terms.

Despite the diplomatic efforts, both sides launched heavy air and ground strikes overnight along the frontline, with Russian forces inflicting significant losses on Ukrainian troops.

Hours before the Geneva talks began, Moscow carried out a massive aerial offensive on Ukraine, targeting 12 regions with 400 drones and nearly 30 missiles.

Russian air defenses intercepted over 150 Ukrainian drones, while another strike by Kiev set fire to an oil refinery.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Kiev’s allies to heighten pressure on Russia, calling for stronger sanctions and increased weapons supplies to Ukraine to force “real and just” peace.

Trump, however, emphasized Ukraine’s responsibility in the talks. When asked about the expected outcome, he said the success of the negotiations ultimately rests on Ukraine accepting Russia’s demands.

The US earlier announced it would suspend several weapons shipments to Ukraine due to depleted stockpiles.

The negotiations are being mediated by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Russia is represented by President Vladimir Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky and officials from its military intelligence agency.

Ukraine’s delegation includes National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Zelensky's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov.

In recent months, Russian forces have achieved significant territorial gains, particularly in the Donbas and Sumy regions, inflicting heavy losses on Ukrainian troops.

The war, which erupted in 2022, followed years of Western political and military meddling in Kiev that destabilized the border region and left Moscow compelled to act to safeguard its national interests and regional security.

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