Trump puts fate of world’s top conflicts in hands of 2 men

In February 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. The conversation, which included U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, preceded a meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Geneva. Discussions covered topics for the Geneva meeting, preparations for trilateral talks with Russian officials expected in early March, and a potential prisoner swap. Zelenskyy hopes the upcoming trilateral meeting will facilitate leaders-level talks with Russia to resolve complex issues and end the war. Separately, Russian economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev will also be in Geneva to meet with U.S. negotiators on economic issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump spoke on Wednesday, agreeing that upcoming trilateral talks with Russia in March should pave the way for a meeting of the countries' leaders. Zelensky stated the goal is to resolve complex issues and end the war. The US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also participated in the phone call. The conversation occurred before a separate meeting between Ukrainian and US negotiators to discuss post-war reconstruction. Zelensky thanked the US for its active involvement in the peace process and for providing missiles for air defense.

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged the bodies of soldiers killed in the ongoing conflict, with Russia handing over the remains of 1,000 soldiers to Ukraine and receiving 35 Russian bodies in return. The exchange follows an agreement reached in Istanbul in June 2025, aiming to return thousands of bodies and prisoners of war. This exchange occurred as Ukrainian negotiators met with US envoys in Geneva to discuss Ukraine's post-war economic reconstruction, and as preparations were underway for a third round of US-led talks involving Russia to end the conflict. While both sides regularly publish estimates of the other's losses, the BBC has confirmed nearly 186,000 Russian deaths, and Russia has returned more bodies to Ukraine than it has received, despite higher estimated Russian casualties.

On February 26, 2026, Russia launched missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk, wounding at least eight people. These attacks damaged residential buildings and infrastructure, prompting air defense activation. The strikes occurred before a scheduled meeting in Geneva between Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Geneva meeting is intended to pave the way for a larger negotiation session in early March involving Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, now in its fifth year. Kyiv hopes these talks will lead to a direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

US President Donald Trump has tasked Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff with resolving the war in Ukraine and the US stand-off with Iran. On Thursday, Kushner and Witkoff met with Iranian officials in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program. They then met separately with Ukrainian and Russian envoys to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Prior to this, the pair participated in the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" regarding the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Trump's reliance on trusted associates for these critical diplomatic missions highlights his preference for a small circle of advisors over traditional government channels. The move underscores the tension in Trump’s diplomatic strategy and raises questions about the capacity of two individuals to manage such complex global issues.

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia met in Geneva on Tuesday for US-mediated peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The talks, following two prior rounds in Abu Dhabi, are focused on security and humanitarian issues. US President Donald Trump is urging both sides to reach a swift agreement, though Ukraine's President Zelensky has expressed concerns about pressure to make concessions. Despite ongoing discussions, including military representatives, a breakthrough has yet to be achieved. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of renewed Russian air strikes across Ukraine, including significant damage to Odesa's power network.

Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Switzerland on Tuesday for U.S.-brokered peace talks, the third such meeting in recent weeks. Expectations for a breakthrough were low, as previous discussions in the United Arab Emirates yielded minimal progress beyond a prisoner exchange. The core issues of contention remain unresolved, including the status of Ukrainian territory in the east, which Russia seeks to control, and Western security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky has warned against ceding territory and urged progress on security guarantees. The U.S. delegation is led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Russia is represented by Vladimir Medinsky, among others. The talks, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva, also include separate negotiations focused on Iran.

Russian and Ukrainian officials began a third round of US-brokered peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday, ahead of the war's fourth anniversary. The negotiations, led by Rustem Umerov for Ukraine, will address security and humanitarian issues. Despite the talks, Russia launched heavy air strikes across Ukraine, damaging infrastructure and leaving many without essential services. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy urged allies to increase pressure on Russia for a "real and just" peace deal. The US President Trump has pushed for a deal, stating Ukraine needs to come to the table quickly. Russia is demanding Ukraine cede the remaining 20 percent of the eastern region of Donetsk, which Ukraine refuses to do.

After President Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, his promise to quickly end the war in Ukraine has not materialized. In 2025, the conflict worsened for Ukrainians, with increased civilian casualties and Russian territorial gains. Trump shifted U.S. policy by reducing aid to Ukraine by 99% and halting weapon shipments unless paid for, while simultaneously making overtures to Russia. Meanwhile, Russia increased weapons production and attacks, severely damaging Ukraine's power grid. Negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are scheduled, as Trump seeks to be credited with ending the war.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former army chief of Ukraine and now ambassador to the United Kingdom, has revealed a rift between himself and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In an interview with the Associated Press in London on February 2, 2026, Zaluzhnyi, who is seen as a potential political rival to Zelenskyy, discussed the previously unseen tensions. The article suggests the disagreement may stem from differing views on the direction of the war and potentially, political ambitions. The revelation comes after Zaluzhnyi was removed from his position as army chief in February 2024. The details of the rift and its potential impact on Ukraine's political landscape remain to be seen.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Vladimir Putin's historical arguments as a "delay tactic" in peace negotiations, urging a focus on ending the war. Zelenskyy stated that debating history would only prolong the process and that the only relevant discussion is how to achieve a swift resolution. His comments followed talks in Switzerland between Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian officials, which Zelenskyy suggested yielded limited progress, particularly on sensitive political matters. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte questioned Russia's seriousness about negotiations, noting the presence of Vladimir Medinsky, known for emphasizing historical narratives. Medinsky described the talks as "difficult but businesslike."

On day 1,455 of the Russia-Ukraine war, February 18, 2026, both sides reported casualties from drone and shelling attacks. Three people were killed in Mykolaivka, Donetsk region, by a Russian drone, while a woman died in a separate drone strike in Ukraine's Zaporizhia region. Russian-appointed officials reported a civilian death from Ukrainian shelling in Vodyane, and a Ukrainian drone attack allegedly killed one in Kalinovka, Russia. In Russia, three died in Sertolovo, Leningrad region, following an explosion at a military police facility, the cause of which is unclear. Ukraine claimed responsibility for striking the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, while Russia reported extinguishing a fire at an oil reservoir in Taman caused by a drone attack. Russia also claimed to have downed 151 Ukrainian drones. A Russian Deputy Defence Minister acknowledged disruptions to Starlink satellite internet used by the Russian military.

Russian army chief Valery Gerasimov visited troops in Ukraine and announced that Russian forces had seized 12 villages in eastern Ukraine during the first two weeks of February 2026. The announcement, made by the defense ministry, comes ahead of US-mediated talks in Geneva aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. Gerasimov noted the advances occurred despite severe winter conditions. While the pace of Russia's advance has increased since autumn, they have yet to achieve their goal of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Russia is demanding Kyiv withdraw from Donetsk as a condition for ending the conflict, a demand Ukraine rejects.

While U.S.-backed negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva stalled, Ukraine achieved its fastest territorial gains in years along the southeastern front near Zaporizhzhia. Over five days, Ukrainian forces retook approximately 78 square miles, exploiting reported disruptions in Russian battlefield communications and command-and-control. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War suggest Ukraine is leveraging limitations affecting Russian connectivity, creating opportunities for localized counterattacks around Huliaipole. Despite these advances, experts caution that the front remains fluid and the gains do not indicate a collapse in Russian defenses. The fighting has centered east of Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces have steadily advanced since mid-2025.

Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight amid stalled peace talks. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Russia is hesitant to engage in another round of US-brokered negotiations, proposed to be held in Miami or Abu Dhabi next week. While Ukraine has confirmed its attendance, the Kremlin indicated that talks are expected "soon" without providing specifics. These developments occur as a US-led peace effort faces a June deadline, with disagreements over occupied territories in the Donbas region and Russian demands for further territorial concessions hindering a comprehensive settlement after four years of conflict.

Upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva are facing challenges after deadly drone strikes killed one person in each country. The strikes occurred as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US Secretary of State Rubio expressed concerns about the negotiations, which are scheduled for next week as the conflict enters its fifth year. Zelenskyy stated that negotiations often feel unproductive, with the US focusing on Ukrainian concessions. Rubio questioned Russia's sincerity in seeking peace. A key point of contention is Russia's demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from Donetsk, which Ukraine rejects without Western security guarantees. Zelenskyy hopes for continued US involvement and increased European participation in the peace process.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities. This occurred as the possibility of another round of US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remained uncertain. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had agreed to attend proposed negotiations in either Miami or Abu Dhabi, but Russia was hesitant. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that talks were expected "soon" without providing specifics. The US government has not commented on the potential for further negotiations, which are part of an ongoing peace effort. Zelenskyy previously stated that the US has set a June deadline for a deal between the two countries.

Russian and Ukrainian envoys will meet in Geneva next week, February 17-18, for US-brokered talks aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing war. This round of negotiations follows two previous meetings in Abu Dhabi and comes as the conflict approaches its fourth year. The primary sticking point remains the future of the Donbas region, with Russia demanding Ukraine withdraw from the portion of Donetsk it still controls. Ukraine seeks Western security guarantees to prevent future Russian offensives. The US has reportedly given both sides a June deadline to reach an agreement. The conflict, which began in 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of military and civilian casualties.

As Ukraine prepares for upcoming peace talks, Ukrainian officials report increased pressure from the Trump administration to make concessions to Russia, aiming to end the war by early summer. President Zelensky expressed frustration that the U.S. is pressing Ukraine harder than Russia, but acknowledges the need to maintain American engagement, especially with the approaching midterm elections potentially shifting U.S. focus. Zelensky stated that the U.S. desires to halt the war by June, and that the Trump administration was "likely to put pressure on the parties according to that timeline.” Ukraine is sending a delegation to Florida for talks next week, though Russian participation is uncertain. The U.S. strategy remains unclear if Ukraine doesn't concede on issues like territory and elections.

Ahead of upcoming talks with Russia and the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine seeks a 20-year security guarantee from the US as a prerequisite for signing a peace deal. Speaking at the Munich Security Summit, Zelenskyy also requested a clear timeline for Ukraine's EU membership. He expressed concern that the US focuses on Ukrainian concessions rather than Russian ones. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered partnership with Europe, it was conditional on climate, migration, and tariff agreements. Zelenskyy revealed the US offered a 15-year guarantee, but Ukraine desires a legally binding 20-year agreement detailing US support for a planned European reassurance force in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US has proposed a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace settlement. According to Zelenskyy, the Trump administration intends to pressure both countries to end the war by the beginning of summer, potentially influenced by the upcoming midterm elections. He also mentioned that the US is proposing to host further trilateral talks, possibly in Miami, following recent discussions in Abu Dhabi that were described as constructive. This new deadline follows previous unsuccessful attempts by the US to broker a peace agreement. Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine has confirmed its participation in the next round of talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the U.S. is proposing a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war by June, potentially influenced by upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Zelensky indicated that the next round of peace talks could occur in about a week, following a proposed energy truce. The U.S. has advised both Ukraine and Russia to halt strikes on energy targets as a de-escalation measure, which Ukraine has accepted. However, shortly after Zelensky's comments, Russian forces launched a missile and drone barrage targeting Ukraine's power grid, leaving much of western Ukraine without essential services.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the U.S. has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement to end their nearly four-year war. Zelenskyy stated that the U.S. is likely to pressure both countries to meet this schedule, potentially hosting trilateral talks in Miami next week. President Trump expressed optimism about the talks, and the U.S. described recent discussions in Abu Dhabi as "constructive," noting an agreement for a prisoner swap involving 157 prisoners from each side. The U.S. and Russia have also agreed to establish a new military-to-military communication channel led by General Alexus Grynkewich. The goal of these efforts is to create conditions for a lasting peace.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including high-voltage transmission lines, power plants, and substations, causing widespread emergency outages. The strikes, involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, prompted Ukraine to request emergency electricity assistance from Poland. According to Ukraine's energy minister, the attacks forced nuclear power plant operators to reduce or shut down reactor output as a precaution. These strikes are the latest in a series targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the winter. The attacks occurred shortly after peace talks showed little progress, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for mid-February in Miami, involving delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.

Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's power grid on Saturday, causing widespread emergency outages across most regions. Ukrenergo, the state grid operator, reported that the attack damaged energy infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and heating. The ongoing assault occurred despite US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which have been held in Abu Dhabi since January. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure during the nearly four-year war. Restoration efforts will commence as soon as the security situation permits.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Friday that the Ukrainian air force needs to improve its performance amidst ongoing Russian drone attacks. These attacks have been targeting Ukraine's energy sector, causing widespread blackouts, particularly in Kyiv. Residents are seeking refuge in emergency shelters called "Points of Invincibility" to cope with the power outages. In Zaporizhzhia, a Russian aerial strike hit a stray dog shelter, resulting in the evacuation of wounded animals. The attacks highlight the strain on Ukraine's infrastructure and the need for enhanced air defense capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss ending the war with Russia. The talks will focus on a U.S.-brokered 20-point peace plan and potential U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky stated the 20-point plan is nearly complete and expressed urgency in reaching a resolution before the new year. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed that a senior aide to President Putin has held further talks with U.S. officials, indicating ongoing negotiations. The meeting follows discussions between Zelensky and Trump's negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which Zelensky described as generating "new ideas" to end the conflict.

The US and Ukraine have developed a joint peace plan to end the war, with Ukraine securing concessions from an earlier US draft. The plan involves a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine with mutual troop pullbacks, and Ukraine foregoing NATO membership in exchange for US-European security guarantees. It also calls for Russian withdrawal from several regions, with international troops monitoring the contact line. Details have been sent to Putin via an envoy, and the Kremlin is formulating its response, though refusing to comment publicly. Key sticking points remain, including Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede territory in Donbas and renounce NATO aspirations. The US negotiators are expected to contact the Kremlin soon.

The US and Ukraine have developed a joint peace plan to end the war, with Ukraine securing concessions from an earlier US draft. The plan involves a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine with mutual troop pullbacks, and Ukraine foregoing NATO membership in exchange for US-European security guarantees. It also calls for Russian withdrawal from several regions, with international troops monitoring the contact line. Details have been sent to Putin via an envoy, and the Kremlin is formulating its response, though refusing to comment publicly. Key sticking points remain, including Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede territory in Donbas and renounce NATO aspirations. The US negotiators are expected to contact the Kremlin soon.

On December 21, 2025, the 1,396th day of the Russia-Ukraine war saw continued fighting and diplomatic maneuvering. A Russian missile attack on Odesa killed eight and wounded at least 30, prompting President Zelenskyy to consider replacing the head of the Southern Air Command. Ukraine reported drone attacks on Russian oil rigs in the Caspian Sea and claimed to have destroyed two Russian fighter jets in Crimea, while Russia claimed control of two villages in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Zelenskyy acknowledged a US proposal for trilateral talks between national security advisors from Ukraine, Russia, and the US, expressing skepticism but openness if it leads to progress on prisoner swaps or a leaders' meeting.