Headlines
Next round of Ukraine peace talks could be this week, Kyiv says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Summary
Kyiv says Ukraine-Russia-U.S. talks could resume at the end of this week after prior rounds in Abu Dhabi and Geneva. Officials also hint at a larger POW swap and continued efforts toward a leaders' meeting.
Kyiv Signals Ukraine Peace Talks Could Resume by This Week’s End
Geopolitical Outlook and Market Context
Feb 23 (Reuters) - Another round of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine could be held at end of this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff told Ukrainian media on Monday.
Abu Dhabi and Geneva Rounds
Timeline of Negotiations
Ukraine, Russia and the United States have held several rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva as Washington seeks an end to four years of war since Moscow's 2022 invasion.
"I think at the end of the week, this week," Kyrylo Budanov told reporters when asked about the next round of talks.
"It is no secret that the negotiations are not easy, but we are definitely moving forward and approaching the moment when all sides will need to make final decisions -- whether to continue this war or transition to peace," the president's office quoted him as saying.
Previous 157-for-157 Swap
POW Exchange Prospects
Budanov also said the next exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine could happen this week, and that it could be bigger than the previous one when the countries returned 157 POWs each. He did not give a specific number.
Diplomatic Conduct and Positions
Asked about Russia's conduct in the talks, Budanov said it had been "restrained, polite and professional."
"They behave in a completely diplomatically correct manner; it's also clear to everyone that we have different positions," he told reporters.
Prospects for a Leaders’ Meeting
Budanov said Ukraine was "doing everything" to organise a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, but that at present this was "very difficult."
(Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka and Max Hunder; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Key Takeaways
- •Kyiv indicates the next round of negotiations could occur at the end of this week.
- •Talks follow earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi and Geneva with U.S. involvement.
- •Officials say progress is slow but moving toward key decisions on war or peace.
- •A POW exchange may happen this week and could exceed the previous 157-each swap.
- •Ukraine is seeking a presidential meeting, though arranging it remains difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions about Next round of Ukraine peace talks could be this week, Kyiv says
1What is the main topic?
Kyiv says another round of Ukraine-Russia-U.S. negotiations could take place at the end of this week, signaling cautious progress toward potential steps to end the war.
2When could the next talks happen?
Officials indicated they may occur at the end of this week, pending final arrangements among the parties.
3Is a prisoner exchange expected?
Yes. Kyiv suggests a POW swap could happen this week and might be larger than the prior exchange of 157 prisoners each.
4Who is participating in the talks?
Ukraine, Russia and the United States have been involved, with previous rounds held in Abu Dhabi and Geneva.
