US, Ukraine to meet in Geneva as Russia hits cities with missiles, drones
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia launched a series of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, injuring at least 25 people and damaging numerous buildings, including apartment complexes and homes. The northeastern city of Kharkiv and its surrounding areas were hit hardest early Thursday, with at least 16 injured. In the southeastern region of Zaporizhia, seven individuals were hurt as 19 apartment buildings, four homes, and several other structures sustained damage. Central city Kryvyi Rih also reported two injuries.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed that a nine-story residential building in Darnytskyi district was damaged during the attacks on the capital. Air defense systems were activated to counter the strikes, and residents were advised to remain in shelters until the assault concluded. No casualties were reported in Kyiv.
Amidst these developments, Ukraine and U.S. delegations convened in Geneva for high-level talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. The discussions focused on advancing negotiations ahead of a broader trilateral meeting involving Russia, set to take place early next month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the Geneva talks would pave the way for direct dialogue between Russian and Ukrainian leaders, emphasizing the importance of such meetings in resolving complex territorial disputes, particularly over the eastern Donbas region.
The U.S. delegation, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, engaged in a 30-minute call with Zelenskyy and Trump prior to the Geneva meeting. Despite ongoing efforts to broker peace, negotiations have stalled due to disagreements over territorial issues, including control of Donbas, which remains a flashpoint in the conflict.
These developments highlight the continued challenges in achieving peace in Ukraine, where relentless attacks and diplomatic stalemates persist. The outcome of the Geneva talks could significantly influence the trajectory of the war, making them a critical focus for global observers seeking resolution to Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026