Ukraine: The Latest

Peace talks end in ‘acrimony’ after just two hours & Ukraine recaptures ‘most land since summer 2023’

5 snips
Feb 18, 2026
Guest
James Kilner
Guest
Joe Barnes
James Kilner, Kremlin watcher with quick takes on Russian politics. Joe Barnes, Brussels correspondent reporting from Geneva on the talks. They discuss why the Geneva peace talks collapsed in two hours. They cover split political and technical tracks, European shuttle diplomacy, Kremlin signalling, and Ukraine’s recent territorial gains.
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ADVICE

Keep Europeans Fully Briefed

  • Involve European partners in parallel security talks even if they're not at the main table.
  • Keep allies briefed because they'll help implement any security guarantees on the ground.
ANECDOTE

Lobby Observations Hint At Shuttle Diplomacy

  • Joe described seeing negotiators leave and return to the hotel lobby multiple times, indicating ongoing shuttle diplomacy.
  • He witnessed Medinsky come back after the building cleared, suggesting behind-the-scenes talks continued.
INSIGHT

Medinsky As A Signal

  • Vladimir Medinsky leading the delegation signals Kremlin's limited seriousness about talks.
  • Mixed participation of senior envoys suggests deliberate signalling rather than full Russian commitment.
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