US-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Feb 17, 2026 · Last updated Feb 17, 2026
The ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the United States, have a mixed impact on markets. While the prospect of a settlement could bring stability, the continued military actions by Russia against Ukraine and Ukraine's retaliatory strikes on Russian infrastructure create uncertainty, particularly affecting defense and energy sectors. The insistence of Russia on territorial concessions and Ukraine's demands for security guarantees suggest a difficult path to peace, potentially prolonging market volatility related to the conflict.
Delegations from Russia and Ukraine met in Geneva for United States-brokered peace talks, a week before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Expectations for a breakthrough were low due to both sides' firm positions on territorial issues, particularly Russia's insistence that Ukraine cede control of the Donbas region. United States President Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were present, with the United States setting a June deadline for a settlement. Concurrently, Russia continued its aerial barrages on Ukraine, striking 12 regions with drones and missiles, while Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes on Russia's Tamanneftegaz oil terminal and Metafrax Chemicals plant. Military chiefs from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine also met to discuss ceasefire monitoring and demilitarized zones, building on previous talks in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed commitment to negotiations but emphasized Russia's accountability for attacks, which he believes undermine peace efforts. The United States also reestablished direct military communication with Russia.
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