Ukraine's foreign minister on large-scale Russian attack: Russia disregards peace efforts, pressure is needed

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that Russia's large-scale attack ahead of the Geneva talks demonstrates the need to increase pressure on Moscow to bring the war to an end.

Sybiha noted that the large-scale missile and drone strike on Ukraine just before the next round of Geneva talks shows Russia's disregard for peace efforts.

"Moscow only understands the language of pressure. It will not take diplomacy seriously if it is not backed by strength. New sanctions packages are critical. Blocking shadow fleet. Maritime services ban. Entry ban for participants of Russian aggression. Only our unity and strength will bring an end to this war," Sybiha wrote on X.

On the evening of 16 February, the Ukrainian delegation arrived in Geneva for a two-day trilateral meeting with Russia and the United States.

The Russian side has made changes since the previous round, with the delegation now to be led by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes the negotiations with the US and Russia on a potential end to the war will not be slowed down by the changes in the Russian negotiating team.