'Ukraine better come to table fast,' Trump says on Ukraine-Russia talks
When asked about the Geneva talks held last night, US President Donald Trump stated:
“Ukraine better come to the table, fast. That’s all I’m telling you. We are in a position we want them to come.”
Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that he was pursuing all possible channels to engage with the US, aiming to prevent anyone—including Trump—from claiming that Kyiv is uninterested in negotiations.
Morning opening: Zelenskyy calls for 'justice and strength' as Russian attacks continue just hours before peace talks in Geneva
Senior Ukrainian and Russian officials convened in Switzerland for another round of talks brokered by the Trump administration, occurring days before the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
As reported by Luke Harding and Pjotr Sauer, the two-day meeting is expected to resemble previous negotiations, with representatives from Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow in attendance.
Despite renewed US efforts to revive diplomacy, hopes for any sudden breakthrough remain low, as Russia continues to press maximalist demands on Ukraine.
Overnight, Russia launched nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles of various types, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported.
“It was a combined strike, deliberately calculated to cause as much damage as possible to our energy sector,”he said.
Zelenskyy urged international partners to respond to these attacks on civilian life and hold Russia accountable for its aggression.
“Our diplomacy will be more effective if there is justice and strength. Strength of pressure on the Russian Federation – sanctions pressure and steady, rapid support for the Ukrainian army and our air defence.
For peace to be real and just, action must target the sole source of this aggression – because it is Moscow that continues the killings, massive attacks, and assaults.”
The US delegation in Geneva will also conduct separate talks with Iran regarding its nuclear programme amid rising regional tensions.
We will continue to provide updates here.
It is Tuesday, 17 February 2026. Jakub Krupa reporting for Europe Live.
