Putin's Forces Strike Ukraine as Geneva Peace Negotiations Begin Under USA Mediation

Russia launched 396 drones and 29 missiles against Ukraine on February 17, 2026, just hours before peace negotiations were set to resume in Geneva.The massive aerial assault targeted critical energy infrastructure across 13 regions, killing at least one person and prompting Poland to scramble military aircraft.USA envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading the talks as Donald Trump pressures Volodymyr Zelensky to reach a deal before the invasion anniversary.These diplomatic efforts follow reports that Ukrainian forces reclaimed 200 square kilometers near Zaporizhzhia while a refinery fire was reported in Russia.