Two hours. Then Zelensky walked.
The second day of peace talks in Geneva ended abruptly Wednesday morning. Ukrainian and Russian officials barely had time to open their binders before Zelensky called it quits.
“As of today, we cannot say that the outcome of the meetings in Geneva is sufficient. The military representatives discussed certain issues seriously and substantively. However, sensitive political matters, issues of possible compromises, and the necessary meeting of leaders have not yet been sufficiently worked through.”
As of today, we cannot say that the outcome of the meetings in Geneva is sufficient. The military representatives discussed certain issues seriously and substantively. However, sensitive political matters, issues of possible compromises, and the necessary meeting of leaders have… pic.twitter.com/wctJOAMsxe
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 18, 2026
Zelensky’s complaint? Russia isn’t serious. They’re stalling while his country bleeds.
From Reuters:
“Zelenskiy wrote on X that Russia was ‘trying to drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage.’ The Ukrainian president said he was dissatisfied with the lack of progress in Geneva, insisting that ‘sensitive political matters’ and the need for compromise had not been addressed properly.”
He didn’t stick around to find out if hour three would be different.
The White House sent Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to mediate. Their read after the walkout: some progress was made.
From The Guardian:
“The White House said there had been ‘meaningful progress made’ with pledges ‘to continue to work towards a peace deal together.’ A spokesperson said Trump views the war as ‘very unfair’ for all involved, including American taxpayers who have footed the bill.”
Meaningful progress after two hours and a walkout.
The Russians see it differently than both of them.
From The Independent:
“Russia has denied using ‘delay tactics’ to stall peace talks with Ukraine, insisting it is committed to negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was ‘ready to continue the dialogue’ but accused Kyiv of ‘inconsistency’ in its positions.”
Each side blames the other. Meanwhile, American taxpayers keep paying.
Trump wants a deal before the war enters year five. Zelensky wants security guarantees first. Russia wants territory.
Two hours didn’t bridge those gaps. Walking out early didn’t help.
