Expectations are low for the latest US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by By ILLIA NOVIKOVFebruary 16, 2026 at 03:23 PM

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A Ukrainian delegation is heading to Geneva for US-brokered talks with Russian officials ahead of next week's fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, is expected to be low-key, with little anticipation of significant progress on ending the war. Both sides appear to be sticking to their negotiating positions on key issues, including the future of Ukrainian land occupied or still coveted by Russia. The US has set a June deadline to reach a settlement, but no breakthroughs are anticipated. Ukraine's defenders continue to engage in a war of attrition with Russia along the 1,250-kilometer front line, while civilians face repeated aerial barrages and drone attacks. The talks come as Russia reports having shot down 229 Ukrainian drones in the previous 24 hours.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Geneva 40% Bryansk region 50% United States ×260% Volodymyr Zelenskyy ×380% Russia ×380% Ukraine ×390%

Keywords

russia ukraine talks 90% us-brokered talks 80% low expectations 70% full-scale invasion 60% negotiating positions 60% drone attacks 50% war of attrition 50% ukrainian land 50%