Live: Ukrainian negotiator to meet US team ahead of fresh Russia talks, Zelensky says
France 24 Europe
by FRANCE 24February 25, 2026
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Ukraine's lead negotiator Rustem Umerov is set to meet with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Thursday, as part of preparations for fresh trilateral talks with Russia scheduled for March. President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized Ukraine's commitment to peace while dismissing Russian claims that Kyiv is seeking nuclear weapons as a tactic to pressure negotiations.
Recent developments in the conflict include a Ukrainian drone strike on a chemical plant in western Russia, which has left seven dead and further strained relations between the two sides. Meanwhile, Russia continues to target Ukraine's gas facilities, with attacks reported in the Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions over the past two days. These actions highlight the ongoing cycle of cross-border aggression that has claimed thousands of civilian lives, primarily in Ukraine.
Zelensky also addressed the recent halt in oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, stating that repairs are being advised but progress is slow due to challenges posed by Russian strikes. Additionally, Ukraine's ambassador announced the launch of its first drone production plant in the UK, a strategic move aimed at bolstering defense capabilities while maintaining operational continuity despite ongoing attacks.
International repercussions of the conflict were evident as Poland charged six individuals, including Belarusians and Poles, with attempting to smuggle sanctioned equipment for military technology. Meanwhile, Russia imposed a significant fine on Google for distributing VPN services, further tightening its grip on digital oversight amid the crisis.
These developments underscore the escalating complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, involving not only direct military confrontation but also diplomatic maneuvering, economic pressures, and international legal actions. The situation remains critical, with far-reaching implications for global security and energy markets.
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/25/2026