On February 17, 2026, the first day of U.S.-brokered peace talks in Geneva concluded with both Russian and Ukrainian delegations far apart on critical issues such as land, security, and a potential ceasefire. Despite the ongoing negotiations, expectations for a breakthrough remain low, as highlighted by multiple sources including ABC International and BBC World. Just hours before the talks, Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine, deploying 400 drones and 29 missiles across 12 regions, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to call for 'justice and strength' in diplomacy and urging allies to hold Moscow accountable for its aggression (The Guardian, Euronews).