MOSCOW, February 16. /TASS/. Ukraine settlement talks shift to Geneva to address broader political issues; Rubio signaled continued US strategic commitment to Europe despite disagreements; and Russia is exploring a free trade deal between the EAEU and MERCOSUR. These stories topped Monday’s newspaper headlines across Russia.
Trilateral negotiations on resolving the conflict are moving to Geneva. There, the parties may address new dimensions of a future settlement, including the prospect of external governance in Ukraine to facilitate holding elections. Moscow’s proposal to suspend strikes during the voting period remains on the table. At the same time, Kiev is insisting on expanded security guarantees from the United States, accusing Washington of providing insufficient support. In the run-up to the talks, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have escalated the situation by launching large-scale strikes against civilian infrastructure, Rodion Miroshnik, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, told Izvestia. Nevertheless, according to expert assessments, the conflict in Ukraine could conclude as early as 2026. However, establishing a new security architecture in Europe will require significantly more time.
