February 18, 2026

Axios: Talks in Geneva "hit a dead end" due to Medinsky's position. Russian delegation accused Zelensky of trying to boost his rating

During negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the US in Geneva on February 17, the parties "hit a dead end" due to the position of the head of the Russian negotiation group, Vladimir Medinsky, Axios reports, citing sources. According to one of the interlocutors, the Russian side complained about the public statements of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They claim that he is not conducting serious negotiations and is trying to "increase his popularity" in Ukraine before possible presidential elections. In an interview with Axios, Zelensky said he had instructed his team to "raise the issue" of his meeting with Vladimir Putin. He believes personal negotiations would be the best way to "achieve a breakthrough on the issue of territories." During the talks, the US proposed that Ukraine withdraw its army from Donbas, and this territory become a "free economic zone." Zelensky said he was ready to discuss this issue if the Russian army retreated the same distance. According to the Ukrainian politician, Russian representatives promised to consult with Moscow and return with a more detailed position on the issue of territories. Earlier, TASS reported, citing a source, that the negotiations, which lasted six hours, "were tense." The parties declined to comment.