Deadly drone strikes cloud US-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks in Geneva
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Deadly drone strikes in recent days have cast doubt over the possibility of a ceasefire before another round of US-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks scheduled for next week. The exchanges of attacks killed one person in Ukraine and another in Russia, adding tension to an already fragile peace process. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have indicated significant challenges ahead as the conflict approaches its fifth year.
Zelenskyy expressed frustration during a speech at the Munich Security Conference, stating that both sides often seem to be discussing different priorities in negotiations. He highlighted the frequent focus on concessions from Ukraine without addressing Russia's role. Rubio, too, raised concerns about Moscow's commitment to ending the war, suggesting uncertainty about whether Russia truly wants peace.
Key sticking points in the talks include Russia's demand for a full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk and Ukraine's insistence on Western security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for continued US involvement and deeper European engagement in the peace process. Meanwhile, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel criticized President Trump for not applying enough pressure on Russia, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned of Russia's "crazy losses" in Ukraine and the ongoing risks to global security.
The conflict has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Recent reports suggest that Russia is suffering significant battlefield casualties, with estimates of up to 65,000 soldiers
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026