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New round of talks on Ukraine expected in Geneva next week: source

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New round of talks on Ukraine expected in Geneva next week: source

2026-02-20 20:19 Last Updated At:23:37

A potential next round of talks on Ukraine may be held next week in Geneva, Switzerland, a source familiar with the matter told China Media Group (CMG) on Friday.

This year's third round of trilateral talks among Russia, the United States, and Ukraine was held in Geneva from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Russia said the talks were pragmatic and efficient; Ukraine said that the discussions were in-depth and substantive; and the United States said that all parties agreed to continue the dialogue.

For the first time, territorial issues were incorporated into the talks' agenda, and some European countries also held discussions with Ukraine on the sidelines of the event.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the path forward on social media, emphasizing the limits of potential concessions.

Ukraine is ready for real compromises, but not compromises at the cost of their independence and sovereignty, Zelensky said on the X platform on Friday.

Zelensky added that the country would not get ultimatums from Russia but was ready to discuss compromises with the United States.

"Stay where we stay" -- this is a big compromise, he said.

On the Russian side, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday referenced recent high-level communications between Moscow and Washington regarding the formation of a security working group.

According to Zakharova, based on two phone calls between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in late December 2025, Russia supports the proposal put forward by the U.S. to establish a security working group comprising representatives from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine.

To date, the security working group has held three rounds of talks, with the first two in Abu Dhabi and the third in Geneva.

However, Zakharova stressed that Russia's participation depends on the U.S. approach to the conflict, calling for an end to military aid as a prerequisite for genuine diplomacy.

Russia would only welcome it if the Trump administration persuades Ukraine to resolve the crisis through serious negotiations instead of bellicose propaganda, Zakharova said.

She criticized the U.S. for maintaining a dual stance by supplying weapons to Ukrainian forces while attempting to mediate.

If the U.S. sincerely intends to act as a mediator, it should stop providing military supplies to one party to the conflict, and only then will genuine and productive diplomatic opportunities emerge, she added.

New round of talks on Ukraine expected in Geneva next week: source

New round of talks on Ukraine expected in Geneva next week: source

A dazzling light show has illuminated the skyline of south China's tech hub Shenzhen, as part of the city's celebrations of the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival

The Spring Festival, China's most important holiday marked by family reunions, festive foods and New Year wishes, fell on Tuesday this year. The nine-day holiday period starting from Sunday is now in full swing.

The light show will run nightly in downtown Shenzhen at 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00 from Feb 14 to 23.

One of the highlights of the event is a galloping horse projected on landmark buildings, as 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.

The light show drew praise from both local residents and overseas visitors.

"It was spectacular. It was amazing to see the show. The lights look very futuristic," said an Australian tourist.

"I can feel that Shenzhen is a young city, full of vitality and energy," said Zhou Lifen, a tourist.

Shenzhen holds dazzling light show to celebrate Spring Festival

Shenzhen holds dazzling light show to celebrate Spring Festival

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