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

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.

Marking the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine war, President Zelensky stated that Russia's President Putin has failed to achieve his goals in the conflict, including breaking the Ukrainian spirit and winning the war. In a video address, Zelensky highlighted Ukrainian resistance and affirmed Ukraine's commitment to securing a strong and lasting peace. The war, which began on February 24, 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and devastated Ukraine. Despite ongoing talks facilitated by the United States, a resolution remains elusive. Zelensky emphasized that any peace agreement must be accepted by the Ukrainian people to ensure its durability and justice.

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.

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.

In a video address marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Donald Trump to visit Ukraine, specifically Kyiv. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has not been broken and will not betray its people in negotiations with Russia. He emphasized that seeing Ukraine firsthand is crucial to understanding the reality of the war and identifying Russia as the aggressor. Zelenskyy recalled a phone call from President Biden offering to help him leave the country, but he declined. The address included footage from the early days of the invasion and showed Zelenskyy at a memorial for fallen soldiers. Trump has not yet accepted Zelenskyy's invitation to visit.

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.

In February 2026, as the Ukraine war enters its fifth year, Moscow believes the 2022 invasion was a necessary gamble, not a failure. Russian political elites view the war as ending on their terms, driven by pragmatic motives, primarily to prevent NATO expansion towards Russia's borders. The conflict allowed security elites to eliminate pro-Western opposition and consolidate power. The decision to invade also stemmed from Ukraine's initial attempts at rapprochement with Russia under President Zelenskyy, which were later abandoned due to internal pressures. Many Russians see the war as a proxy conflict with NATO, benefiting security elites and hawkish Western lobbyists.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied Russian claims that Ukraine attacked a presidential residence in the Novgorod region of Russia. Kremlin officials alleged the attack was carried out by Ukrainian drones, prompting warnings of retaliation from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Zelenskyy dismissed the accusation as a fabrication intended to justify further attacks on Ukraine and undermine diplomatic efforts. The White House confirmed that former President Trump spoke with Putin about the alleged drone strike after meeting with Zelenskyy in Florida. Trump expressed anger about the reported attack, emphasizing that it was not the right time for such actions.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of sabotaging peace talks and planning attacks on Kyiv government buildings after the Kremlin claimed Ukraine attacked Vladimir Putin's residence with drones. Zelenskyy dismissed the claim as a lie, anticipating a scandal following his meeting with Donald Trump, where they discussed a peace plan. Sergei Lavrov stated Russia would review its negotiating position and retaliate against Ukraine, claiming 91 drones were shot down and accusing Ukraine of "state terrorism." Zelenskyy said the US offered Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years, subject to votes in both countries' parliaments, but the future of the Donbas region remains unresolved. He emphasized the need for international monitors to ensure security in a postwar Ukraine.

In his annual New Year's Eve address, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia believes it will win the war in Ukraine. The speech, delivered on December 31, 2025, marked 26 years since he assumed the presidency. Putin called on Russians to support the troops engaged in the ongoing offensive, which began in February 2022. He expressed confidence in victory despite the ongoing conflict and peace negotiations. The address also referenced Putin's reshaping of Russia, his positive views on Josef Stalin, and his efforts to restore Russia's standing after the Soviet Union's dissolution. The speech comes amid fears in Europe that the Kremlin’s Ukraine war could spillover into its borders if it doesn’t end soon.

In his annual New Year's Eve address, Russian President Vladimir Putin briefly acknowledged the fighting in Ukraine, emphasizing soldiers' roles in fighting for their land and expressing confidence in achieving victory. The speech, delivered in Moscow, was notably shorter and less focused on the war compared to the previous year. Putin conveyed a message of unity and hope for a better future for Russia. Despite growing public sentiment in favor of peace negotiations, Putin did not mention any peace talks with the U.S. or President Trump's peacemaking efforts. Polls indicate that a majority of Russians now favor ending the conflict, but Putin has shown little willingness to compromise in negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss a revised 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia. The proposal, developed by Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators, includes security guarantees for Ukraine, but disagreements remain over the Donbas region and a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant. Zelensky has expressed doubts about Russia's commitment to peace, citing recent attacks on Ukrainian cities and rejected ceasefire proposals. Analysts believe Russian President Putin, emboldened by battlefield gains, is unlikely to accept the proposal and will stick to demands for territorial concessions and limitations on Ukraine's sovereignty. Zelensky aims to demonstrate his commitment to Trump's peace efforts.

Ahead of a planned meeting with Donald Trump in Florida, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is "willing to do whatever it takes" to end the war with Russia. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of international support, warning that the war will continue if the U.S. or Europe sides with Russia. His comments came after a recent Russian attack on Kyiv involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, leaving at least one dead and 27 injured. Zelenskyy plans to share a 20-point peace proposal with Trump during their meeting. He accused Russia of not genuinely seeking peace, pointing to the attacks as evidence of Putin's true intentions to inflict suffering on Ukraine.

Ahead of a planned meeting with Donald Trump in Florida, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is "willing to do whatever it takes" to end the war with Russia. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of international support, warning that the war will continue if the U.S. or Europe sides with Russia. His comments came after a recent Russian attack on Kyiv involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, leaving at least one dead and 27 injured. Zelenskyy plans to share a 20-point peace proposal with Trump during their meeting. He accused Russia of not genuinely seeking peace, pointing to the attacks as evidence of Putin's true intentions to inflict suffering on Ukraine.

Ahead of a planned meeting with Donald Trump in Florida, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is "willing to do whatever it takes" to end the war with Russia. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of international support, warning that the war will continue if the U.S. or Europe sides with Russia. His comments came after a recent Russian attack on Kyiv involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, leaving at least one dead and 27 injured. Zelenskyy plans to share a 20-point peace proposal with Trump during their meeting. He accused Russia of not genuinely seeking peace, pointing to the attacks as evidence of Putin's true intentions to inflict suffering on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. This meeting follows the circulation of a US-backed peace plan, reportedly shaped with input from Russian officials. Zelenskyy stated the meeting aims to refine the proposed 20-point plan, which he claims is "90% ready," focusing on security guarantees and reconstruction. The announcement follows diplomatic activity in Miami, where Trump's envoy met with Russian and Ukrainian representatives. While US officials described the discussions as "constructive," Russia has downplayed expectations, and Putin reportedly insists on Ukraine ceding the Donbas region as part of any agreement. Washington has not yet publicly confirmed the meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. This meeting follows the circulation of a US-backed peace plan, reportedly shaped with input from Russian officials. Zelenskyy stated the meeting aims to refine the proposed 20-point plan, which he claims is "90% ready," focusing on security guarantees and reconstruction. The announcement follows diplomatic activity in Miami, where Trump's envoy met with Russian and Ukrainian representatives. While US officials described the discussions as "constructive," Russia has downplayed expectations, and Putin reportedly insists on Ukraine ceding the Donbas region as part of any agreement. Washington has not yet publicly confirmed the meeting.