Geneva Peace Talks Produce Limited Ceasefire Accord in Ukraine War
Published Date: 17th Feb, 2026
February 17, 2026
After three days of difficult negotiations in Geneva, mediators announced a limited ceasefire agreement late Friday between Ukraine and Russia, the first formal de-escalation measure in the conflict since late 2024. The deal, facilitated by Switzerland with support from the United Nations, United States, European Union, and Turkey, creates a 30-day pause in fighting along a 120-kilometer segment of the eastern front line, mainly in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
The agreement requires both sides to pull heavy artillery 30 kilometers back from the contact line, establish demilitarized humanitarian corridors for civilian evacuations and aid convoys, and set up joint monitoring teams with UN observers and representatives from both militaries. Both parties also pledged to stop drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure for the duration of the truce.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the partial ceasefire “a vital step to save lives and open space for real talks,” while stressing that “any breach will receive a firm and proportional reply.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the accord as “a practical move toward reducing tension” but repeated Moscow’s demand for recognition of territorial changes and long-term security guarantees before any broader settlement.
Mediation and Participation
Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis hosted the talks, with UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura acting as chief facilitator. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas participated in key sessions. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan helped bridge gaps between the delegations.
France, Germany, Poland, and China sent representatives to observe and support the process, although China did not take a formal mediating role. The United Kingdom and several Eastern European governments voiced cautious backing for the truce while pressing for stronger verification and rapid enforcement mechanisms.
Humanitarian and Economic Measures
The deal contains several immediate relief provisions:
- Six humanitarian corridors open for civilian evacuation from frontline zones
- Unrestricted delivery of food, medicine, winter heating materials, and power-generation equipment
- Temporary suspension of energy-related economic sanctions along agreed transport routes
- Joint commitment to repair damaged civilian infrastructure (power lines, water systems, hospitals)
Both sides agreed to grant the International Committee of the Red Cross full access to detention centers and prisoner-of-war exchange points during the 30-day period.
Reactions and Enforcement Concerns
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the partial ceasefire as “a welcome development” but insisted on “strong verification and immediate consequences for violations.” The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session early next week to formally endorse the agreement and authorize an expanded UN monitoring presence.
Ukrainian opposition politicians and several Eastern European governments voiced doubts about enforcement, citing previous failed truces. Russian state media framed the deal as “a temporary tactical pause” rather than a strategic change in policy.
The 30-day truce is scheduled to start at 00:00 local time on February 17, 2026. Both sides have established a direct hotline for real-time violation reporting. Negotiators have committed to reconvening in Geneva on March 1 to review compliance and discuss possible extension or expansion of the ceasefire zone.
Although far from a comprehensive peace settlement, the Geneva accord is the first concrete diplomatic progress in more than a year. It creates a narrow window for prisoner swaps, humanitarian aid expansion, and confidence-building steps. The next few weeks will determine whether the fragile arrangement holds or collapses under mutual accusations of violations. Official statements and updates are available through UN and Swiss government channels.
Date: 17th Feb, 2026
