politics
February 17, 2026
Press review: Ukraine talks in Geneva shape settlement as Russia explores MERCOSUR deal
Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 16th
TL;DR
- Ukraine settlement talks will take place in Geneva, focusing on political issues and potentially external governance for elections.
- Kiev is demanding expanded security guarantees from the US, which it deems insufficient.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed continued strategic commitment to Europe, aiming to strengthen the alliance.
- Russia is considering a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and MERCOSUR.
- Potential obstacles to the EAEU-MERCOSUR deal include logistics and US pressure.
- US considers imposing anti-dumping duties on Russian palladium, which could increase global prices but may not significantly impact Nornickel's operations.
- Russian urea exports increased by 11% in 2025, driven by demand in the US, India, and Turkey.
- Russia's total fertilizer exports rose by 11% in 2025, with production up by 3%.