politics
February 19, 2026
Press review: Ukraine talks in Geneva expand as US, Iran set deal principles amid tensions
Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 18th
TL;DR
- Geneva talks involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine have moved to discuss political issues, with European diplomats also engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions.
- Despite peace talks, hostilities between Russia and Ukraine have escalated, with reports of foreign pilots flying F-16s for Ukraine against Russian targets.
- US-Iran negotiations in Geneva have yielded agreed principles for a potential nuclear deal, but tensions are high with increased US naval forces in the Persian Gulf and Iranian naval exercises.
- India has significantly increased its imports of Russian coking coal, becoming the second-largest supplier, driven by supply disruptions elsewhere.
- US President Trump has signaled dialogue with Cuba while imposing potential tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island, indicating a possible demand for Cuba to sever ties with Russia and China.