US Envoy, Trump Aide to Join Russia-Ukraine Talks in Geneva

Witkoff and Kushner to participate in second round of negotiations on Ukraine conflict

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will take part in trilateral talks with representatives from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Tuesday, according to a media report citing a source. The talks will mark the second round of negotiations on the Ukraine conflict, following an initial round held in Abu Dhabi in late January.

Why it matters

The talks in Geneva represent another attempt by the US, Russia, and Ukraine to find a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has led to significant loss of life and geopolitical tensions between the West and Russia. Kushner's involvement as a senior White House advisor adds high-level US representation to the negotiations.

The details

The first round of talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine took place on January 23-24 in Abu Dhabi, behind closed doors without media present. The second round will now move to Geneva, with the Russian delegation led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. Details of the agenda and specific issues to be discussed have not been publicly disclosed.

  • The first round of talks was held on January 23-24 in Abu Dhabi.
  • The second round of talks will take place on Tuesday, February 14, 2026 in Geneva.

The players

Steve Witkoff

A US special envoy who will participate in the Geneva talks on behalf of the United States.

Jared Kushner

The son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump and a senior White House advisor, who will also take part in the Geneva negotiations.

Vladimir Medinsky

The Russian presidential aide who will lead the Russian delegation in the Geneva talks.

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What they’re saying

“When Russia goes to war, they go alone because they don't have allies. When America goes to war, many of us go with you — and we lose our people along the way.”

— Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia (Reuters)

What’s next

The outcome and any potential agreements reached during the Geneva talks will be closely watched, as they could shape the future direction of the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's relations with the West.

The takeaway

The involvement of high-level US and Russian officials in these negotiations underscores the continued efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis, even as tensions between the West and Russia remain high over the conflict.