politics
February 18, 2026
FACTBOX: Diplomatic efforts and negotiations on Ukraine
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict began almost immediately after the onset of Russia’s special military operation in late February 2022
TL;DR
- Initial peace talks between Russia and Ukraine occurred in Belarus and Istanbul shortly after the conflict began in February 2022.
- These early negotiations resulted in a draft agreement, including Ukraine's neutrality pledge, but were blocked by Kyiv and Western allies.
- Negotiations were formally suspended by Ukraine in October 2022 but saw a resurgence in 2025 after Donald Trump's election in the US.
- Key diplomatic engagements in 2025 included phone calls between Putin and Trump, Russian-US delegation talks in Riyadh, and renewed Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul.
- The 'Trump Plan,' a 28-point peace proposal, was unveiled in November 2025, outlining concessions from Ukraine regarding NATO, Crimea, and Donbass.
- Trilateral consultations involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine began in January 2026, with initial rounds in Abu Dhabi focusing on territorial issues and prisoner exchanges.
- The next round of negotiations is scheduled for Geneva on February 17, 2026, with discussions expected to cover a broader range of issues, including territorial matters.
Continue reading the original article