Ukraine and Russia Hold Second Day of US-Brokered Talks in Geneva

Envoys from both sides meet to bridge political and military differences stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv met in Geneva on Wednesday for a second consecutive day of U.S.-brokered talks, with officials trying to bridge political and military differences stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The negotiations in Switzerland are the third round of direct talks organized by the U.S., following earlier meetings in Abu Dhabi that officials described as constructive but yielded no breakthrough.

Why it matters

The talks in Geneva represent the latest effort by the U.S. to mediate an end to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. A successful negotiation could pave the way for a ceasefire and potential peace agreement, though the two sides remain far apart on key demands.

The details

The Ukrainian delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, who said the talks are focused on 'clarifying the parameters and mechanisms of the decisions discussed yesterday.' However, Russia and Ukraine appear to still be far apart on their demands, with Ukraine wanting a ceasefire and face-to-face meeting between the leaders, while Russia wants Ukraine to renounce NATO membership, reduce its army, and protect Russian language and culture before committing to a truce.

  • The talks in Geneva began on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • This is the second consecutive day of U.S.-brokered talks between the two sides.

The players

Rustem Umerov

The head of the Ukrainian delegation in the Geneva talks.

Vladimir Putin

The president of Russia, who has demanded that Ukraine renounce NATO membership, reduce its army, and protect Russian language and culture as part of a peace settlement.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The president of Ukraine, who has offered a ceasefire and a face-to-face meeting with Putin but refuses to surrender any Ukrainian land to Russia.

Steve Witkoff

The U.S. envoy who has said Washington's push for peace in Ukraine over the past year has 'brought about meaningful progress,' though no breakthrough has been achieved.

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What they’re saying

“Consultations are taking place in working groups by areas within the political and military tracks. We are working on clarifying the parameters and mechanisms of the decisions discussed yesterday.”

— Rustem Umerov, Head of the Ukrainian delegation (X)

“Washington's push for peace in Ukraine over the past year has brought about meaningful progress.”

— Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy (Social media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.