Witkoff says 'meaningful progress' made as Ukraine talks enter second day

BBC News - World DiplomaticNews ReportEN 2 min read 100% complete February 18, 2026 at 07:00 AM

Part of Story

Zelenskyy dismisses Putin’s 'historical s---' in peace talks as ‘delay tactic,’ urges focus on ending the war

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Talks between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by US envoy Steve Witkoff, are ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland. Witkoff stated that the negotiations have made "meaningful progress" towards ending the war. However, hopes for a breakthrough remain low due to Russia's continued demands for Ukrainian territory, specifically the Donbas region. Ukraine insists on robust security guarantees from the West before any agreement can be reached. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said the first day focused on practical issues, while Zelensky stated Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes and seek a worthy agreement, questioning Russia's intentions. These talks represent the third round of trilateral negotiations.

Article Analysis

Framing Angle

Diplomatic

Primary framing

Conflict

Secondary framing

Measured

Sensationalism

Factual

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

Zelensky said lasting peace would not be achieved if "victory" was just handed to Russia.

quote — Zelensky100% confidence

Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine, including large parts of the eastern Donbas region.

factual — null100% confidence

Russia carried out a large combined aerial attack on Ukraine, hitting 12 regions with 400 drones and almost 30 missiles.

factual — null90% confidence

Kremlin has not wavered from its maximalist demands for Ukrainian territory.

factual — null90% confidence

Talks between Ukraine and Russia had "brought about meaningful progress" to end the war.

quote — Steve Witkoff80% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Vladimir Putin 40% Jared Kushner 40% Rustem Umerov 50% Donbas 50% Kremlin ×260% Switzerland ×260% United States ×260% Volodymyr Zelenskyy ×470% Donald Trump ×270% Ukraine ×1090% Russia ×990% Steve Witkoff ×390%

Keywords

ukraine russia talks 90% war in ukraine 80% peace negotiations 70% mediation 60% territorial demands 60% zelensky 60% compromises 50% security guarantees 50% donald trump 50%