Ukraine War: Trump Urges Zelensky to Negotiate as Talks Loom

Geneva – A third round of U.S.-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled to take place in Geneva on February 17 and 18, as the conflict enters its fifth year. The confirmation comes amid increasing pressure from the Donald Trump administration on Kyiv to make concessions to Moscow, and growing doubts about the prospects for a comprehensive ceasefire.

While neither side has expressed optimism about achieving a breakthrough, the continuation of negotiations, with relatively consistent participation from both delegations, suggests a limited space for progress. Previous rounds of talks were held in Abu Dhabi, but this will be the first session on European soil.

Recent developments have cast a shadow over the peace process. A temporary pause in attacks on energy infrastructure, agreed upon after the last round of talks, lasted only four days before Russia launched a barrage of 450 drones and over 60 missiles against Ukraine, according to reports from Kyiv.

President Zelenskyy, speaking to journalists this week, indicated frustration with Washington’s approach, stating that the U.S. Appears to be pressing Kyiv harder than Moscow. He suggested that the U.S. Desire to see the war concluded by June is driven by the American political calendar and the upcoming midterm elections. “Of course, It’s desirable for us that the Americans do not leave,” Zelenskyy said, adding that the U.S. Is “likely to put pressure on the parties according to that timeline.”

The Trump administration is reportedly urging Ukraine to accept a peace deal that would heavily favor Russia, according to Ukrainian officials cited in a recent report by the New York Times. President Trump has emphasized his desire to take credit for ending the war, and previous deadlines set by his administration have passed without significant results.

The pressure from Washington comes as Russia shows no sign of halting its offensive while maintaining its battlefield momentum. Kyiv is preparing to send a delegation to Florida next week for further talks, though Moscow’s attendance remains uncertain.

Alongside the diplomatic efforts, the conflict continues on the ground. Two civilians were killed and five injured in a Russian attack on the city of Belgorod, Russia, according to regional authorities. Moscow has labeled the attack as an act of terrorism. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials report one death and multiple injuries following a drone strike in the city of Konotop, with damage to residential and industrial infrastructure.

Further escalating tensions, Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted drone strikes in the Russian region of Volgograd, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure. These attacks follow a pattern of reciprocal strikes on infrastructure, with both sides accusing the other of targeting civilian areas.

The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with reports of widespread damage to energy infrastructure and disruptions to essential services. The United Nations reports that approximately 5,000 buildings in Ukraine are currently without heating due to recent attacks. In Odessa, attacks have disrupted water supplies for nearly 300,000 residents.

International efforts to address the crisis are ongoing. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met with President Zelenskyy in Munich, reaffirming Italy’s support for Kyiv, including energy assistance. The Finnish President Alexander Stubb, also in Munich, stated his belief that Ukraine is already winning the war, arguing that Russia miscalculated its strategy. He pointed to the expansion of NATO and the significant losses of Russian troops as evidence of Ukraine’s success.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, emphasized the need for continued pressure on Russia and highlighted the effectiveness of sanctions in reducing Russia’s revenue by 25%. He also stressed the importance of European involvement in any peace negotiations, stating that a lasting peace cannot be achieved without European participation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with President Zelenskyy in Munich tomorrow, February 14th, following a decision to forgo a meeting with European leaders. The Kremlin, meanwhile, has confirmed that Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation to the Geneva talks, hoping to broaden the discussion beyond security concerns.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, President Zelenskyy has indicated a willingness to continue fighting rather than accept a disadvantageous peace agreement. He suggested that a key motivation for President Trump would be to claim credit for ending the war, a sentiment echoed by Ukrainian officials who fear being pressured into unfavorable concessions.